A couple of months ago, we started a small, fun family tradition. Whenever I get my salary, our first little treat is to go to a restaurant near our apartment. Friday night is becoming our family time.
We used to go to restaurants now and then, but we never really made it a tradition. After our little boy Hithesh came into our lives, I started thinking that we need more of these small family moments. You know, life changes so much after having a child. As a couple, we are still the same people, with the same love and bond, but our days are now filled with so many different responsibilities. Sometimes we get so busy being parents that we forget to make a little time for ourselves as a couple, too.
And at the same time, I want our boy to experience different places, different environments, different foods, and little things beyond our everyday routine. He is still so little, but I believe these small experiences are part of growing up, too. It is a part of motherhood I suppose.
So, we decided to make things little special.
This time, we visited a traditional Japanese restaurant near our home. The atmosphere was so lovely and peaceful. We had an oyakodon and soba set, followed by dessert. Nothing too fancy, nothing too expensive, just a simple family dinner that made us happy.
The entrance of the traditional restaurant is mostly like this.
oyakyudon
udon with wakame
osashimi, fishcake, with wasabi before main meal
coffee jelly cubes with ice cream and cream on top with mint leave
At the end of the evening, my husband thanked me for starting this little tradition of exploring the cafes and restaurants around us instead of always thinking about going somewhere far away.
And that made me smile. 🥹
Because honestly, we never knew there were so many lovely little places around our own neighbourhood until we started looking more carefully.
As a Sri Lankan living in Japan, I sometimes feel that there is still so much for us to discover here. We are building our little life in a country away from our own home, and finding these small places, trying local food, and making our own family traditions makes this journey feel a little warmer. It also reminded me of something simple: sometimes we keep looking for something special far away, without really noticing what is already around us.
Maybe we just need to slow down a little and look more carefully. ❤️
Hithesh was so happy, too, looking around and enjoying the new environment. And watching him enjoy these little outings makes me feel that this tradition is worth keeping.
We may not remember every restaurant we visit, every dish we eat, or every Friday night we spend together. But I hope, as he grows up, these little moments will become part of his childhood memories.
For now, this is our small family tradition. A little dinner, a little exploring, some time for us as a couple, and new experiences for our little boy.
Nothing extraordinary, but somehow, everything feels special. 🤎
Do you have any small family traditions that you try to keep, even during your busiest days? I’d love to hear about them. 🌿
