Traditions are the bedrock of many families. Rituals passed down from generation to generation offer the warmth, community and closeness children need to thrive as adults. The memories you create with your children today have a lasting impact on their lives tomorrow.
If you don’t already have family traditions, don’t worry. You can make them! They don’t have to be complicated, extravagant or costly. It can be simple as Family Movie Night on Fridays when everyone drags their bedding to the living room to watch DVDs all night long.
In an increasingly fragmented world, traditions are the glue that keep families, and the individuals that make up a family, together. Traditions help you feel whole, accepted and secure.
Not sure how to get started? Here are some simple ways to create memorable traditions in your family:
Make birthdays special
A mom once told me how, every year, she and her other children wake up in the wee hours of the morning to decorate the doorway of the birthday child’s room. When the birthday girl wakes up, she’s greeted with a playful, colorful celebration of streamers, balloons and handmade signs to begin her happy day.
Neighborhood potluck
In the Disney movie The Princess and the Frog, there is a scene where Tiana’s family comes together to make jambalaya and shares it with neighbors. You can do the same by deciding on a regular schedule – monthly, quarterly, etc. – and inviting friends, family and neighbors to your home for a theme-centric potluck.
Create a secret handshake
Kids (especially younger ones) love having a special way to connect with their parents. Why not create a special handshake that’s only shared between you and your kids. When you drop your kids off at school, you can say good-bye in a special way and preserve a memory they’ll keep with them all day long.
Annual Family Event
Whether you choose a camping trip or a summer kick-off BBQ, create a tradition about a specific event. Let your kids get involved in the planning from year to year and watch the memories develop.
What are some of your favorite family traditions? Please share them here and help inspire the ideas of others.
image credit: cscott2006 via Flickr.com
