As a professional in the Hospitality Industry for over 30 years, it has long been part of my job to participate in traditions. I’ve dutifully gone through the antiquated practice of handing a guest the cork from a bottle of wine, so they can sniff it carefully and give their subtle nod of approval (p.s. that isn’t what you’re supposed to do with the cork). I’ve sung Happy Birthday so many times I have lost count (by the way, we know that it’s probably not really your birthday). I’ve seen changes in tradition based on society’s druthers, having gone from wishing guests a “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays” to  – now I just say, “Sure looks cold out there.”

The point is, since the beginning of time, traditions have represented a critical piece of the human experience and the cultures that have been created. Traditions assist in the formation of our family, community, and societal structures. It’s why we clink glasses and pass to the left and kiss under the mistletoe and hide Easter eggs and make up secret handshakes with our friends. They purposely remind us that we are part of something: a history that defines our past, states who we are today, and what memories we will carry with us. They let us know we are in this thing together. Some say that when we ignore the meaning of our traditions, we ignore a large part of our own identity.

Since coming to Paul Smith’s, I have set about trying to incorporate a tradition here and there. One of those is the Annual Lighting of the Gazebo that’s been held the past four or five years. It’s a chance for us to get together before the winter season relegates us to partial hibernation and grunting at each other as we brave the icy walk to the library; to gather together, share some food, some drink, and some good times. I like to think of it as a way for us to look at each other in the eye and say, “Thanks for being here; you’ve made this worth my time, and if winter gets rough, I’ve got your back..”

Here’s the deal. It’s happening next Wednesday, November 18th from 5:15 to 6:30 pm at The Grande Gazebo (ok, I named it that… it’s the one near Campus Safety). There will be tastings of traditional seasonal foods, hot apple cider, a roaring fire, roasted chestnuts, horse drawn wagon rides, and a chance to put in writing that which you are thankful for. Yeah, it’s kinda corny. But all the good traditions are kinda corny.

There’s a goal to have 150 people attend. Hoping you will be one of those people. Maybe you can make it a tradition.