Passing Down Traditions: How a Crocheting Morning Brought Joy to Our Family

Sharing family traditions can happen in the most unexpected ways, even as the world around you transforms. Take our morning in Bali, for instance. At 6 a.m., while the island was still bathed in soft golden light and the smell of sea salt lingered in the air, Lola declared she wanted to learn how to crochet. It was a hyper-fixation I wasn't quite prepared for—especially before coffee—but one that brought a wave of nostalgia and joy. 🧶 Watching her tiny hands loop yarn into her very first granny square transported me back to when my own mother taught me the basics of crochet. Hours of sitting side-by-side, tangling and untangling yarn until I finally mastered the art of creating something beautiful with my hands. Now, it was my turn to pass this tradition down to my daughter. Chad and I couldn’t have been prouder watching Lola’s dedication as she carefully worked on a blanket that could only be described as “ambitiously oversized.” The giggles, the frustrations, and her triumphant cheer when the first square was done—it all captured the simple beauty of slowing down and prioritizing connection. Bali, with its tranquil rhythm and inspiring scenery, gave us the space to make these moments feel extra special. Mornings like these remind us why family travel matters not just for the sights we see, but for how it connects us. Maybe it’s sharing a family tradition like crocheting or learning something new together, but these moments become the stories we retell for years to come. So, next time you’re planning your Bali trip, consider creating space for traditions—old or new. Who knows, you might just find joy tangled up in a ball of yarn.