For over 100 years our area has hosted Oregon Trail Days — a time of great tradition, celebration, connection and friendship. A time when, again and again, family and friends gather to enjoy fun, renew connection, laugh and bond. This time of connection and rejuvenation is important.
People look forward to this annual tradition and plan ahead to attend each year. Other's prepare early by exercising for the annual five mile run, perfecting their recipe for the barbecue kickoff, or tirelessly perfecting their beautiful quilt to display. Rituals like this are important for our society and for our souls.
Other traditions, such as celebrating birthdays and Christmas, offer an equal opportunity to celebrate, connect and refresh. In the fast-paced modern world, where trends come and go so quickly and life stays busy, these traditions stand as a beacon of stability and strength in an ever changing and chaotic world. Much like "home base" was a safe place to rest when playing tag when you were younger, these rituals are times to look forward to so you can rest, connect, laugh and bond.
Happy couples have similar connections that help keep their relationship strong and their love alive in this busy and chaotic world. These rituals range from daily greetings (such as kissing each other upon reuniting) and bedtime routines (like going to bed at the same time or reading together in bed) to annual celebrations and shared hobbies. According to research, these seemingly mundane rituals are.