In todays fast paced life it is essential to intentionally focus on building and maintaining strong family traditions. Strong families are those that create a sense of connection, closeness, emotional safety, security, and stability. One way to maintain a strong and healthy family is through traditions. Kentucky has a variety of family traditions and values that are deeply rooted in its strong sense of community ties and support networks.

In London, KY, the Wilderness Trail Area organized a Holiday Cooking School. This event focused on family traditions, educating participants about food safety and family traditions using the "Creating and Maintaining Family Traditions" curriculum.

The Holiday Cooking School drew attendees from eight counties in the Wilderness Trail Area (Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle, and Whitley), totaling 186 participants and hosting 19 vendors.

In regard to the "Creating and Maintaining Family Traditions" curriculum taught at the Holiday Cooking School, we received 70% evaluation feedback. Of those, 89% of participants learned how family traditions create lasting memories, 85% learned how family traditions connect generations, 85% of participants learned how family traditions offer comfort and security, 84% learned how family traditions can help strengthen family bonds, and 86% learned how family traditions are connected with strong families.