Although I wouldn't consider it an established tradition, there has been an emphasis on having a new purse ready to take on a new trip. When my sister (AKA Ric1) took me to Vegas (baby!) for spring break last year, she surprised me with a VERY cool bag to sport while walking the infamous strip. I still wear this tote daily (the Japanese print with the Geishas) altho it is getting a bit frayed along it's edges (Not so subtle hint to sister). So, in order to continue said tradition, I have made my 7 year old daughter her very own bag (mermaid) in preperation for our big trip this xmas to DISNEYWORLD!! She hasn't received it yet, I plan of giving it to her before we pack, so that she can have plenty of time to accumulate all the goodies she may need.
