Family traditions are most evident during the holidays. Recipes are shared, family sagas are retold, and new family members are welcomed into the fold. But if this Walton-like scene doesn't reflect your life, take heart, you can still pass on a tradition or two.

We may all not have a close family, but chances are, we have friends that we spend time with. Or, we may choose to spend the holidays volunteering with people that we're just meeting.If we really take a good look, most of us have a cornucopia of gifts to pass on in any circumstance that we find ourselves. Gardeners can share their seeds and plant knowledge, bakers can share their recipes and kitchen tips, and do-it-yourself homeowners can share lessons learned from their varied projects. And the historical knowledge of grandparents, lends an air of realism to what's been taught in history classes.

Some people may be more sedentary in their interests. Sharing a book of poetry with a child opens a new window that shows a fantastic way in which to use words. Buying an extra ticket to a concert or a  play, whether put on by a local school or professional players, is a lovely way to share an evening with another person.

Today, people often think that the most valuable commodity that they have is their time. Spending an afternoon with a friend or family member is a great way to give both yourself and them something precious. Studies have shown that time spent socializing not only reduces stress, but may lead to a longer life.

It's been said, "In order to keep it, you have to give it away". No matter what your gifts of experiences have been, you'll relive the joy of them, when you pass them along. And, what you get back may be some of what you see on The Waltons.

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