Some traditions never get old.

  For many of us, the holiday season doesn’t kick into high gear until Thanksgiving. During the last few weeks of the year, we eat too much food, spend too much money and hear too much Christmas music.

  For me and my little girl, though, the holiday season has already begun, thanks to our annual trek to see the scarecrows on the McDonough Square.

  I know we’re not the only ones who look forward to that experience, but each year, it seems to be that much more important for us to keep it going.

  When we started this particular tradition, my daughter was 4 1/2 years old. It was one of our first Daddy-Daughter Dates, and neither of us really knew what to expect.

  I knew I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. As for her, I was just hoping she wouldn’t be frightened – or bored – by seeing the scarecrows.

  Thankfully, she and I had an amazing time. I loved seeing her face light up as she viewed the various exhibits – interacting with them whenever possible, and posing for as many pictures as she let me take before she ran to the next one.

  We’ve looked forward to visiting the scarecrows on the Square every October since then. So I was fairly confident a few weeks ago – when I reminded her that they would soon be returning to McDonough – that she’d want to go and see them.

  I was right. As soon as I got the words out of my mouth, there was no hiding her excitement about continuing our budding tradition.

  We typically try to see the scarecrows the first week in October, but we had to wait a little longer this time around, for various reasons. By the time the day finally arrived, I wasn’t sure who was more excited – she or I.

  This year’s crop of scarecrows featured some of the most innovative creations I’ve ever seen. I loved watching my child – now 8 1/2 – selecting her favorites. They included a large Lion King display, Minion characters made of straw and, of course, the Little Mermaid.

  I loved making a new set of memories with my little girl. I love being her dad, and I cherish every second I get to spend with her, more than ever before.

  We took a few more pictures together on the Square, then looked through them on my phone as we capped the afternoon off with ice cream. The day was just about as perfect as it could be for this old dad.

  The two of us were looking at the pictures from our visit with the scarecrows a few days later, when I was again reminded why I love this particular tradition so much.

  I asked her what her favorite part of the whole thing was.

  Without a moment’s hesitation, she exclaimed “Daddy!”

  She then explained that what she loves most about seeing the scarecrows is the quality time she gets with me.

  Her response rendered me amazed, blessed and humbled.

  Sure, she enjoys seeing the scarecrows. Posing for pictures with them is fun for her, and she loves her ice cream.

  But what she values most from our tradition is the time we get to spend together.

  I hope she knows I feel the same way.

  I hope she and I can continue our scarecrow tradition for years to come.

  And, I hope she never doubts that being her dad has changed my life.