family ties

Creating Traditions Your Family Will Love

This time of year is a reflective one. We remember childhood holidays spent with family - the food, the laughter, the celebrations. For most people, memories that stand out the most as they look back are the traditions their families had during this season. From dishes that were only made one day a year to the decorations hung with care, to when special music was played (and what artists were listened to), there are so many specific traditions families use to mark the Holidays. If you are starting to gather family traditions of your own or if you are just looking to add a few new things to the mix, here are some great ideas that will help you make memories for years to come.

One way to make this time of year special and memorable is to make a menu for each holiday and then stick to those delicious dishes every year. This might be a great time to pull out old family recipes and find favorites your great grandparents were enjoying during this season. Or, if you come from a family that doesn’t have a lot of traditions around food, now is a great time to start your own. You can also pick modernized versions of recipes or customize old favorites to match your family’s tastes, but bringing the same dishes back year after year creates a special feeling around the table. Food is the perfect way to bring everyone together as different generations in the family work to create a special meal.

GATHERING TOGETHER

Another great tradition found at the dinner table is the decor. Many families have dishes or flatware that has been passed down through generations. Pulling them out during the holidays lends a special feel that connects you to your family from years past. Setting a beautiful table can add a little more work but it’s also something you can delegate to others. This is something even older children can help with or can take over completely. It gives teens and preteens a job to keep them busy while also letting them be creative and take ownership of an important part of the holiday festivities.

MEANINGFUL ACTIONS

Creating events or activities you can do no matter where you are is a fun way to create family traditions. For Thanksgiving, creating a Wall of Gratitude gets the people in your life thinking about the things they are thankful for. You can either hang up large sheets of craft or tracing paper from rolls to create a board or you can use sticky notes to make a colorful wall filled with gratitude. You can also plan a fun “Welcome Christmas” ceremony after Thanksgiving dinner where you ceremoniously play the first Christmas album of the year. For Christmas, consider getting tickets to the Nutcracker Ballet each year or organizing a themed scavenger hunt before Christmas. Have a Christmas tea on Christmas Eve day or take time each year to drive through a neighborhood in your area known for having beautiful light displays. You can also pick a local light display to go see as a family. Most botanical gardens will be decked out this time of year so it should be easy to find one close to you. For younger children, bake cookies that they can decorate or help them build a gingerbread house each year. Take a silly family photo with different themes (pajamas, Santa, ugly sweater, etc.) and then go out to eat after all dressed up in your photo attire.

CREATIVE COUNTDOWNS

Young children can have a difficult time tracking time, especially when they are looking forward to something. Starting the tradition of an Advent calendar is a great way to engage the whole family and stops them from asking you “how many days is it till Christmas” nonstop. There are tons of options online so you are sure to find one that will work for you and your family. From simple chocolates to fun games and activities, there is something for everyone. And the adults don’t need to feel left out. You can find ones with luxury items like skin care products, wine, whiskey, and tea just to name a few. If you want to truly customize your calendar for your family, you can always make one on your own and fill it with things that remind you of each person or that you know everyone will enjoy and cherish. Use small boxes or drawstring bags from the craft store to wrap the gifts in and then number them with each day from December 1st to the 25th.

DECK THE HALLS

Working together to decorate the tree or your home can be a great tradition, especially if you do it around the same time each year. Make a fun drink, grab some snacks, and then go pick the perfect tree. If you use an artificial tree, get the whole family involved in setting it up. Another fun tradition is picking out a new ornament each year. You can do this as a family deciding on one ornament that represents the last 12 months of your family’s life the best, or each person can pick their own. Have them explain why they picked the ornament and what it means to them. While you won’t have a themed tree, you will have lots of great memories. Another fun activity is wreath making. You can purchase premade wreaths from your local tree stand and then pick up bows, ribbons, lights, and ornaments from the craft or dollar store. Display the wreaths around your home or hang them from the exterior doors and windows for an extra festive touch.