Traditions: Red Plate

As our kids are getting older, I find myself more interested in continuing and starting new family traditions. I like the familiarity, heritage and comfort that come from sharing something special together. As I introduce or re-introduce traditions into our family, I'll share them here.

When I was little, we had a festively decorated Happy Birthday plate. When it was our birthday, we would be served our dinner on that special plate, a simple reminder of the day amidst all of the other hoopla. Though I can no longer conjure up an actual image of the plate, I remember the warm, loving feelings that came from sitting at the table when it was my turn.

I've thought of the plate several times the last few years, always thinking it would be a fun and very easy tradition to work into our lives. What's easier that just tossing a unique plate on the table a few times a year?

I called my mom about it a few weeks ago and we chatted back and forth, brainstorming what it looked like, where it was purchased and what happened to it since. Sometime over the years it must have made it's way into the thrift store pile.

Amazon came to the rescue. One quick search of "you are special plate" yielded exactly what I needed - and a little more. The plate I stumbled upon not only fulfilled my birthday plate idea, it introduced a slightly different popular early American tradition - the red plate. Here's what the plate's maker, Waechtersbach, says:

"It was a time honored tradition among early American families when someone deserved special praise or attention, they were served dinner on The Red Plate. Today this custom, so dear to early American families, returns to remind us a simple reward can mean so much.

"The Red Plate is the perfect way to acknowledge a family member's special triumphs . . . celebrate a birthday . . . praise a job well done . . . reward a goal achieved . . . or simply say "You are Special Today". When The Red Plate is used, any meal becomes a celebration, honoring that special person, event, or deed."

Perfect!

I was the first one to use the plate when Jason and the kids served up my birthday breakfast in bed. What a treat!

Gavin beamed when it was his turn the first day he rode the bus. He already knew how proud we were of his independence and bravery that day, but the plate gave us one more excuse to celebrate again.