Julia Sims: Traditions

Last week, my husband asked: "So, how many people are coming to the party?"

I kind of shrugged and said "I think around 65 or so." Mike must have turned 10 shades of white! Honestly, I don't know why he acted shocked, he got the same answer last year.

I don't know about you, but I love family traditions. They make you feel connected and rooted. Growing up, I could count on Christmas being the same year in and year out. We were always at my grandmother's house in Spartanburg, S.C. We always opened our presents on Christmas Eve and almost always went to church afterwards. I loved it.

Mike and I don't have family nearby, which means we always hit the road for the holidays. Christmas with his family, Thanksgiving with mine.

That's why I wanted to create our own tradition at our own house. So, the annual Halloween party was born. It's nothing fancy or outrageous. It's really pretty low-key and simple. We invite Will's friends and their parents and siblings; most everyone wears their costume.

The kids play cornhole, toss the football and run wild! And, of course, you can't have a Halloween party without a pinata. It's my favorite part! To hear the giggles and see those smiles when the big pumpkin bursts open - it gets me every time.

So, I told my husband not to expect anything different next year. As for me, I'm counting on hearing the same question from Mike a few days before the party... and of course, getting that same shocked reaction. After all, it's a tradition.