This year has been brutal on all traditions for sure but the family traditions are the ones that I hate to see ruined for whatever reason. I like your term "Black Art" and the comparison with manners and respect. Most all of the entries thus far in the contest lay heavily on respect , manners and love. So there is certainly a correlation there between traditions and those things.
I will pass those birthday wishes along to Blondie, thanks for those and the tip too!
Sult