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Family Establish Traditions.
© 2006Judy H. Wright, Parent Educator
http://www.ArtichokePress.com
Traditions and rituals within the family make everyone feel more united
and a part of the group. Many participants in parenting classes say, "Oh, we don't really have any traditions." But when we start brainstorming, it is amazing how many simple acts and events have been repeated in the same way, and they are now anticipated by family members.
Habits, routines and that's the way we always do it
Does your family open gifts on Christmas Eve or morning? How about choosing the birthday meal? Is there a special Sunday meal or Friday dinner? Each family shares unique memories created from their culture as well as special and ordinary events that make up daily life.
You will want to establish enjoyable traditions so that your children will fondly remember the days and activities which mark the interactions within the family. This interaction creates a closeness and joy that is felt when being around one another. A tradition is something we can count on.
Annual traditions that live forever
Our very favorite is writing love letters to one another early in December. We have included our extended family and close
friends. The letters are placed in the Christmas stockings. On Christmas Eve
we sit down to a wonderful candle-lit dinner of pizza and soda pop and we
read the letters privately.
This is an opportunity to build new bridges and
forgive old hurts. It reinforces the love that we have for each other. The
letters are not earthshaking and sometimes they are purchased cards, but
they carry a sincere message.
Our older daughters have told us that many
times, when they are far away from home and being hit in the face with the
realities of life, that they will go back to their jewelry box or bottom
drawer and pull out those letters. They know that somewhere in this world
there are people who love and appreciate them and support their endeavors.
Part of a group larger than we are
When we feel a part of a larger unit, we are motivated to participate in
supporting other group members. It is the shared experience which will impart lasing values and memories. Traditions, even when just begun for the first time, connect us with the past and the history of the family.
Treasure the time you spend with one another. My wish for you is that you will foster traditions and memory moments that will build an identity unique to your family and bind you together through seasons and generations.