After the birth of my first daughter, my mom gave me a single red plate. A red plate in it’s own designated box. I open it and the plate said, “You are Special Today”. My mom was excited to share something like this with me in hopes that I would share it with my own daughter. Although I graciously received it she knew by my lack luster reaction that I didn’t ‘get it’…yet. I recall her saying something like , “Well, even if you don’t like it now, you might, when the baby gets older.” OK, I gave her that. So, of course, I saved it.
Years later, I came across it quite accidentally and coincidentally a few days before her 4th birthday. I pulled it out, washed it up and decided to present her homemade birthday cupcake on the bright and shiny red “special” plate. To my surprise she was delighted with the fanfare, her eyes wide with excitement, “What’s THIS plate Mom?” As I read her the words and told her the story, as my mom told me, I realized a tradition was being born. As quickly as I had dismissed the plate years earlier, I resolved to keep it handy, ready to use at any and every special occasion. And I have. And now both my girls have come to not only look forward to it for their own special days (for everything from pancakes to pizza to birthday cake) but have also insisted that my husband and I use it on ours.
Since I have become a mother, I have learned to deeply appreciate all things that make my kids feel special. Anything I can do for them to remind them they are loved and valued is worthy of my effort and energy. So who knew one red plate could drive that message home? I sure didn’t. But, I’m glad I listened to my own mother and gave her idea a shot. It has made our family’s celebrations that much more festive and momentous.
To get your own red plate, you can order one directly from the Waechtersbachusa site. Or you can always make your own “special” plate. Consider taking a trip to a ‘paint your own ceramics’ store and whip one up yourself. Or better yet, have your child make one. I promise, you’ll be thrilled at the reaction you’ll get and I’ll bet you children will love it as much as mine do.
What special traditions have you come to treasure?
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