Keeping Traditions

Many years ago my husband worked for an antiques importer and home furnishings company called Keeping Traditions.  At one time the company brought in a lot of antique household stuff from flea markets in Europe, especially France.  Although not sold at flea market prices here(!) these objects were usually things from ordinary life a century or two ago.  The gorgeous armoires and cupboards we cherish as decorator items today actually had a practical function 200 years ago – they were used to keep mice and other unwanted critters out of food stores needed for survival.  While these objects may show their years, they have retained both beauty and relevance, even if their specific function has changed. Alas, the company is no more, but I have one or two items from it that I treasure.

Sunday was St. Lucia’s Day, which is now mostly relevant to those (like me) of Scandinavian descent.  Growing up, my mother always prepared something special for breakfast on December 13.  Though we didn’t go so far as to light a wreath of candles on my head (like they really still do in those Northern European countries Minnesotans fondly call “The Holy Land”), we always had candles on the breakfast table, in honor of Lucia, the saint of light.  But over the years, we dropped this tradition.  It seemed like something more fun and appropriate for children, and not so relevant to a household of adults.

I think the same could be said about keeping traditions within an organization that has reached maturity.  Like most other non-profit arts groups, at this time of year SFGC asks its friends, family, and larger community to consider making a year-end contribution.  Thirty years ago, that letter reached about 500 people.  Today, it reaches about 4,000, and is only one part of a year-long program of fundraising events and appeals.  Things have changed.  We have grown and adapted, yet we remain profoundly grateful to all who support our work, and we are stronger for this growth and evolution.

In much the same way, SFGC’s annual holiday concert/sing along has been a beloved tradition since 1983.  The girls who sang back then are now young women, with children of their own, and each year, an ever growing number of alumnae return for the concert and join the girls on stage for a tear-filled finale. After only four years, the Davies holiday concert has also become a tradition in my family, and I am pleased to hear and observe how the concert itself has evolved -- even during these past four years -- while maintaining its beauty and tradition.

Ultimately, it’s about the beauty of the music, the awesome sight and sound of 300 girls onstage, and the spirit of joy and giving during this season that make the evening special, rather than which arrangement of Silent Night is sung, or what the cover design of the program looks like, or whatever.  In addition to the friends and families of all the girls currently involved in the Chorus and Chorus School, plus the many alumnae and their families who return for this concert, it is our goal to share the beauty of this tradition with many newcomers, to forge new friendships, and make new traditions.

I hope you will be able to join us on December 22, and that you will share a truly beautiful and meaningful holiday season with all of those you love.