Family Traditions - Why, and Some Holiday Ideas Maybe you remember a special tradition your mother did before Christmas, or how you always had a special family tradition that is a part of your growing up memories. Some families starting out may have stopped some traditions that did not care for, and are looking for new traditions that they can use to build their own special family memories.
Whatever your situation, traditions can and should be a fun thing for your family, creating memories that last, and instilling good values. One researcher is quoted on the Ohio State University website that, "Families that have the strongest ties have the most traditions or rituals in their life". So, pick traditions that you like, and that your children will just think are the coolest things ever.
Christmas Day
Tradition can be defined as:
1. The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.
2. A long-established custom or belief that has been passed on in this way.
Customs can be defined as your family's rituals or practices for daily or weekly routines, such as a pizza night, what you do on certain days, or your daily routine.
Traditions do not have to be expensive, or extravagant. I am reminded of hearing Tom Hanks say what he did for Christmas: "We come downstairs in our pajamas, and open presents". This is not an exact quote, but conveys that he does what many others do, on the same day.
Seasonal family traditions include summer vacations and holidays, anniversaries, birthdays. Following are some ideas that can help create awesome family memories:
Easter:
1. find a sunrise service being held at a church, and attend. (This can be a memorable experience even for non-earlybirds!)
2. Make quiche.
Memorial day-
1. Find a place to escape to and kiss a lot, for you married people.
2. Family BBQ.
3. Go for a hike.
Fourth of July
1. Go to a certain campground, or to a big Fourth of July celebration.
2. Watch Independence Day, or the Patriot.
3. Have your favorite berry pie or dessert.
Labor day - spend it at the beach! But of course not everyone can do this, so come up with your own getaway place; for practicality keep it under a 2 hour drive.
Summer time family get togethers - how about a yearly get together for extended family -- potlucks, or bbq's at a park or family member's home.
Thanksgiving
1. Have everyone say what they are thankful for, at the dinner table.
2. Watch Squanto, or read a Thanksgiving story.
3. Go shopping the next day!
Christmas
1. A Christmas family tradition idea that I grew up with is Christmas calendar that held special activities for each day of the month; it had a place for a scroll of paper that was to be opened each day. This was handmade by my mom, and it was great fun seeing what special activity the evening held for us. You could modify it for the 12 days of Christmas.
2. Have a berry cobbler for breakfast. Check out my website below for a great place to store your favorite family recipes.
3. Watch the Christmas Carol.
4. Read the Christmas Story.
5. Go to pick out your own Christmas tree, and/or put it up on Dec. 1st.
6. Go to a Christmas musical.
7. Make your own special treats to give away as presents.
Hopefully I have given you some fresh ideas that will give you some great family memories.
Family Traditions - Why, and Some Holiday Ideas
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