Traditions in a family are really important in creating a history that bonds and binds.  Having family traditions leads to having family stories that are told and re-told over the years, recalling memories and emotions that can often only be fully appreciated by the members of the family who have participated in the “tradition” first hand.  That said, a “tradition” does not have to be a big deal or big event.  In my mind, a family tradition is just something that recurs, and that the participants are aware of when and how it should occur.  This could be an annual gathering, a holiday meal, or, in the case of my family, something as simple as a silly song.

REPETITION BREEDS TRADITION

I am not exactly sure how it began, but when we first moved to our current neighborhood years ago, we began to frequent a nearby Nursery to pick up plants and flowers for our home.  The jungle-like outdoor store had an odd but friendly proprietor who looked and acted like he had been out in the sun way too long (physically and mentally) and who wore a truly awful toupee that was so poorly flopped onto his head that you could clearly see the wig-like seam of fabric separating his scalp from the faux hair.  Hence, his secret nickname to us became “funky wig man,” which, needless to say, the kids got a kick out of hearing us say.

FUNKY WIG MAN LOVES OLIVIA

Funky Wig Man clearly took a fancy to my young daughter, Olivia, and every time we visited his place to look at the plants and flowers he would come over and dote on her, calling her by name, giving her a little flower he would reach over and pluck from nearby.  Olivia, who was probably 7 at the time, would get all shy and embarrassed by this attention.  In the car one day, after leaving the nursery, her older brothers started singing an impromptu song with quite simple lyrics: “Funky wig man, loves Olivia… Funky wig man, loves Olivia… Funky wig man — ” You get the idea.  Olivia would turn red in the face and start screaming “STOP!” which would just encourage the boys to continue, louder and longer.  Thinking it was “cute,” mom and I would often chime in as well, singing along until Olivia’s aggravation turned to an odd mix of laughter and tears, and the entire family cracked up laughing (Olivia included.)  This song quickly became a family tradition as every time we drove past that particular Nursery, the entire car would instantly break out into song, “Funky Wig Man, loves Olivia” and she would do her part and scream back “STOP” as we all burst out into laughter.

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

The other day I was in the car with Olivia, who is now about to turn 18, and we drove past that very Nursery.  I looked at my daughter and she instantly knew what was coming.  She ceremoniously held her hands over her ears as I began to sing… “Funky Wig Man, loves Olivia… Funky Wig Man, loves Olivia…”  We both laughed… “remember when we used to do that?” and for the moment we both paused to cherish a family tradition and the warm memories that came with it.  I know I can never drive by that spot without smiling.

How about you?  What are the family traditions that make you smile?  I am particularly interested in the little ones, like this simple song.  Please share your stories in the comments!  Is there a Funky Wig Man in your life?

Jeff Sass is the proud dad of ZEO (Zach, 21, Ethan, 19 and Olivia, 17).  He is also a seasoned entertainment and technology exec and active social media enthusiast.  You can see more of Jeff’s writing at Sassholes! and Social Networking Rehab.

Photo Credit: © Jose Gil – Fotolia.com