Yearly Repeat of Summer Vacation: 30-Year Tradition with No Regrets
In the heart of California, a mountain town named Lake Arrowhead has been a cherished destination for one family for three decades. For 30 years, the author and her mother have been making an annual pilgrimage to this picturesque location, creating a tradition that has brought them closer together and provided a stable environment critical for their emotional and social development.
The author's summer vacation to Lake Arrowhead is more than just a holiday; it's a ritual that offers multiple benefits. The repeated act of visiting the same place every year strengthens family bonds, creates emotional security, and fosters a sense of belonging and predictability, especially for children.
The author, now a mother herself, appreciates the relaxing routine and the memories shared with her mother and now her children during their annual trip. The drive to Lake Arrowhead is like watching her favourite TV show every year, and the activities they engage in, such as staying at the same hotel, eating at the same pizzeria, and skiing at the same waterski school, have become comforting constants in their lives.
The annual trip to Lake Arrowhead is cost-efficient compared to other vacations. The author and her family save money on their trip by knowing the most affordable hotel and meals, and they rarely buy souvenirs. The total cost for their annual trip is just a few hundred dollars, making it an affordable tradition that they can maintain for years to come.
For the author's children, the annual trip to Lake Arrowhead is a source of stability in today's fast-paced world. It provides an opportunity to recharge and maintain well-being amid busy or stressful everyday lives. During their trip, the children make memories that they cherish, such as making s'mores at the beach and skiing on the lake.
The tradition of visiting Lake Arrowhead started when the author was just 4 years old, and it continues to this day. The author's mother finds planning other trips stressful, but for their annual trip to Lake Arrowhead, she just calls the hotel and books it without extra work and stress. This consistency in family activities promotes emotional support, making each person feel valued and connected.
A 2024 study found that 19% of US adults find planning a trip "very stressful," and that number rises to 26% for those traveling with children. However, for the author's family, their annual trip to Lake Arrowhead saves time and money as they don't have to waste money trying things they might not like.
As the author and her family plan to continue their annual trip to Lake Arrowhead for at least another 30 years, they look forward to creating more memories, strengthening their emotional ties, and benefiting psychologically and socially from this timeless tradition. The author's mother reminisces about memories from the author's childhood during their annual trip, and the author appreciates the tradition as it brings them closer together, especially during adulthood.
In sum, the repeated act of taking the same summer vacation every year helps families build lasting memories, reinforces emotional ties, and provides a comforting structure that benefits both adults and children psychologically and socially. The author's family tradition of visiting Lake Arrowhead is a testament to the power of consistent family traditions in fostering emotional security, creating a sense of belonging, and strengthening family bonds.
What about the impact of this family tradition on relationships and lifestyle outside of Lake Arrowhead?As the author's family continues to prioritize annual trips to Lake Arrowhead, it may influence other aspects of their lifestyle, such as their approach to travel, their dynamics as a family, and the way they maintain and nurture relationships.
