Every family has its traditions. Ours seem to be anti-traditions. You never know what you’ll get when you arrive at our house.

This year for the July 4th celebration, I decided to have a cooking contest. The theme of the year was middle eastern cooking, because I recently discovered hummus and wanted to make some. Our son has made hummus and other middle eastern dishes and was the most enthusiastic participant. Dad was hoodwinked into making kabobs, as he enjoys anything that involves fire. Our older daughter did some veggies that really go with anything, and our younger daughter supported our efforts en absentia.

Our son was unanimously voted the winner for his tasty chicken marinade, and we had more food that we could comfortably eat, as is the American tradition. Leftovers are the order of the day this week, and some were sent away with our adult children.

Now that they have gone, we are left with rumpled bedding and an almost too-quiet house. I have promised to find a perpetual trophy for the winner of what will hopefully be an annual event. I am looking forward to the next holiday gathering and wondering how it will unfold.