Traditions are the glue that binds us to our families and the people who become our de facto families: our neighbors.
“The bigger and more complicated the world gets, the more we appreciate the comfort of our neighborhood,” said Jennifer Trainer Thompson, author of “Joy of Family Traditions: A Season-by-Season Companion to 400 Celebrations and Activities.” “Whether it’s being your neighbor’s Secret Santa or putting May Day baskets on a neighbor’s door, traditions bring us together and teach kids how to be part of a community.”
We asked Chicago-area neighborhoods about their traditions. They reported parades for every holiday and parties for every occasion. Below is a sampling of their events. Take note: These traditions can be duplicated in your neighborhood this year.
Winter
No time to bake: What began as a December cookie exchange in the Patriot Woods neighborhood in Cary evolved into the annual Uncookie Exchange because neighbors have no time to bake but did not want to forgo the get-together, said host Heather Van Meenen. “Catching up and hanging out” is the goal, she said. The baking requirement deleted, “there is absolutely no reason not to attend!” she added.
Light contest: Every December, the West Point Gardens neighbors in Elgin string their houses with lights and compete for prizes. The streets are ablaze with camaraderie. ComEd is happy.
Spring
Multigarage sale: In May, the neighbors in Aurora’s Savannah neighborhood organize a 295-household garage sale. Before it begins, the kids start trading stuff they have outgrown, said Alan Long, homeowners association vice president. “Piece by piece, our old swing set went down the street to a neighbor’s house,” he said.
Celebrate the diversity: The Skokie Towers neighbors used a kit (coffeecake coupons, name tags, invitations, etc.) from Skokie’s Know Your Neighbor Week program to host a party last spring that celebrated their roots, which include India, Pakistan, Iraq and Argentina. “We found we all have the same concerns: safety, schools and children,” said Rashida Najiullah. “That led to a block party in August, which we plan to make an annual event.”
Popsicle Day: Each spring, the kids in the Old Town section of West Dundee watch WGN’s Tom Skilling’s forecast for the first 70-degree mark. Then, they dash to the Mays’ backyard to eat Popsicles while their parents discuss the neighborhood’s full calendar of summer activities. “Popsicle Day says, ‘Summer is here,'” said neighbor Pam Griffin.
Summer
Fence upgrade: To demonstrate the diversity of their community, neighbors in Chicago’s East Lakeview launched the Nettelhorst Fabric Fence annual tradition. Each June, neighbors hang strips of fabric on the iron fence that surrounds the Nettelhorst Elementary School playground, transforming it into a work of art.
Tulip parties: In the late 1990s, a resident of Elgin’s Northeast neighborhood plucked a tulip-shaped piece of wood from a neighbor’s curbside garbage, painted it blue and planted it in a neighbor’s yard to signal the next impromptu Friday-evening party. “You bring your own food, drink and chair, so the host isn’t inconvenienced,” said Jeffrey Gill. “But heads up: If you come, you become a possible future host.”
Campout: The teens in the Old Town section of West Dundee go to Village Hall each year to secure permission for the neighborhood’s annual family campout at South End Park. With its bucolic riverside setting, who needs Wisconsin?
Lemon-AID: To put a positive spin on the anniversary of 9/11, the east side neighborhood of River Forest launched the annual Kids Helping Kids 9/11 Charity Lemon-AID Stand, said Patty Henek. The neighbors choose a children’s charity to receive the cash, which totaled $11,250 in 2010. Hundreds of people attend the event, which takes place on Henek’s front yard and has grown to include cookie sales and live music.
Fall
Soapbox derby: Every September, the Randall Park neighbors in Downers Grove order wooden car kits, decorate them with themes and race them down Fairmount Avenue.
“Anything goes,” said Rebecca Joers. “We’ve had everything from an outhouse car to a Michael Jackson car.” The winners get prizes, everyone gets popcorn and, best of all, she said, “You get to know people you might not know otherwise.”
Halloween memories: In addition to trick-or-treating and a bonfire, the neighbors in Preserve at Long Grove in Long Grove treasure their annual group photo. Even kids too old to trick-or-treat dress up for the photo, said the parents.
Year round
Friendly Fridays: Every other Friday, neighbors at the Pioneer Road section of Evanston gather for Friendly Fridays. They take turns hosting and bring appetizers. In the summer, the event is outside, so the kids and dogs burn off energy while the adults relax.
Helpful hints
Don’t hesitate to put your teenagers in charge. “They bring energy, excitement and good ides to the project,” said Patty Henek, of River Forest, whose neighborhood raises money for charity. “With some adult supervision, they can handle it and learn from the experience.”
Make life easier for next year’s chairman by compiling a project binder of phone numbers, schedules, news releases and so on.
Go with the flow. The Preserve at Long Grove simplified its too-elaborate block party, by popular vote.
Take your turn. Too often, one neighbor is stuck organizing the event every year and burns out. If everyone takes a turn, the tradition continues and fresh ideas flow.
Aim for traditions that connect neighbors of all ages. The car-pooling moms already know one another and the coach dads already e-mail weekly. Young and old can participate if the organizer thinks ahead.
