Having the unique opportunity of viewing the botanical gardens at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, NV is a true pleasure.  Every few months the staff work tirelessly to present a visual floral feast to celebrate the current recognized holiday.  Without regard to religion or country or creed – each worldwide ethnic traditional celebration is displayed.

Here in the United States we are entering one of our periods of traditional celebration – Thanksgiving,  Christmas and New Year’s.  These are our traditions, our celebrations of development, remembrance and new beginnings.  We express ourselves and our happiness by spending more time with family and friends.  Our gift giving and meal sharing is our attempt at making everyone feel happy and secure.  We want to party and encourage others to join us in celebrating our traditions.

Traditions are our link to the past and offer hope that our surroundings in the future will be stable and secure.  All ethnic groups have similar celebrations focusing on their traditions – it grounds us all to the past yet offers hope for the future.

Traditions, and the celebrations of them, are fast approaching.  We all revel in our ability to freely enjoy their dual meaning: the past the future. Enjoy your traditions and those of others.