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Good question! In addition to wondering about how to approach the idea of family traditions within the context of adoption, we certainly know how difficult the holidays can be for older adopted children. As a one-time long-term foster parent, I remember just how critical what we did for the holidays was for a child struggling with trauma-related issues. As a single woman interested in adopting now myself, this is a subject I've put thought into early on and often. Hannah, of course, is old enough to have an opinion of her own (my gosh, time flies!), but I'm not certain what my situation will be. I will need to consider my child's mental health and possible reactions to holiday time, my and their wants and needs in terms of time, energy and structure, and the fact that holidays, for me, aren't holidays without other folks to celebrate them with. I do believe in holiday ritual and "building memories" that become tradition within the immediate family, however. Though celebrations outside a child's home are remembered with fondness and emulated to some extent, I think it's what we do, year after year, with our parents that we adopt for our own traditions as adults. I think that continuity is important for everyone, certainly for children whose point of family reference has changed a number of times. The Fourth of July seems to be more about fireworks than anything, but I look forward to hearing more from others on this subject as summer comes to an end and Halloween approaches. Last year the black and orange decorations popped up in window fronts as early as August!