I have a great advantage over many of my colleagues inasmuch as my students bring with them to class their own personal knowledge of national regional religious ethnic occupational and family folklore traditions.

I have behind me not only the splendid traditions and the annals of more than a thousand years but the living strength and majesty of the Commonwealth and Empire of societies old and new of lands and races different in history and origins but all by God's Will united in spirit and in aim.

We are a party of innovation. We do not reject our traditions but we are willing to adapt to changing circumstances when change we must. We are willing to suffer the discomfort of change in order to achieve a better future.

American movies and music deliver themes of freedom innocence and power that appeal to others - partly because America itself was put together out of a multiplicity of national traditions.

Watching President Obama apologize last week for America's arrogance - before a French audience that owes its freedom to the sacrifices of Americans - helped convince me that he has a deep-seated antipathy toward American values and traditions.

All major religious traditions carry basically the same message that is love compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.

I think that food ties us to our community and our traditions and it's the thing that makes us feel good and connected.

Japan is the most intoxicating place for me. In Kyoto there's an inn called the Tawaraya which is quite extraordinary. The Japanese culture fascinates me: the food the dress the manners and the traditions. It's the travel experience that has moved me the most.

Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are they provide something steady reliable and safe in a confusing world.

It's true Christmas can feel like a lot of work particularly for mothers. But when you look back on all the Christmases in your life you'll find you've created family traditions and lasting memories. Those memories good and bad are really what help to keep a family together over the long haul.