traditional things like family etc are a part of life, so if one doesn't go for it, then those things will simply be left out from experience of life. For me it was like a switch of perspective. When I was younger I didn't care so much for these things, but then it hit me that If I don't care about it then I will miss out on all of that. It sounds really simple or idiotic, but it still was some kind of revelation.
I think tradition connects you to history and the river of life. Normal, traditional stuff has an existential dimension. Everybody has some need for it. It doesn't mean that you have to give up yourself and be totally main stream. It's all about balance.