jake & i came from such different backgrounds too. they really had very little in the way of set family traditions, but we have lots of them. he's really enjoyed embracing new traditions & creating our own - he understands my family a lot better after all of these years!

when we had chase he *finally* understood the rationale behind opening family gifts on christmas eve & letting santa bring everything on christmas day. his family only celebrated christmas day, and my family basically celebrated christmas starting the day after thanksgiving! :)