The Importance of Family Traditions: What Are Your Holiday Traditions?

Traditions are those beliefs and customs that we hand down to our children, and then get  carried on by the generations to come. These can be a wide variety of things, and sometimes we don't even know we have traditions until they are recognized by others.

Traditions are important for several reasons, especially to children. It is easier on people when they know what to expect, when things become too ‘up in the air' it can increase the amount of stress we feel.  It is helpful to know what is going on, a part of preparing for anything is ‘mental prep' especially when company is involved. A lot more goes in to the preparations than just getting the spare bedroom ready.

Traditions also serve as a way to foster a sense of belonging, bringing people together to work on a project, or help another family in need. Feeling as though you are a part of a group makes us feel more valued and loved.

Traditions also allow us a way to connect with others, including family members. For instance, if members of your family live far away, it can be hard to catch up and feel close when there is distance between you.  They can help to ‘break the ice' so to speak, helping to start a conversation and ultimately creating an instant connection.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:

What are your Holiday Traditions?

Take a few minutes to think about what your Holiday Traditions are and which ones you like the most.

Perhaps you'll notice some that are missing, or places where some need to be added. Possibly you'll remember some that have been forgotten.

As your family members which holiday traditions are their favorites or are most important to them.

Here are a few of my favorites, some old and some new ones. Please feel free to share yours.

We would go and get Christmas tree together. We'd go to a tree farm and actually cut it down. We'd all participate, even the kids. It was one of my favorites for that reason, and it put me in the Christmas spirit to be outside, with the snow and caroles playing.

I have a large family, with a lot of grandkids which is so much fun for all of us. We have always had KK, which stands for Kris Kringle. We put everyone's name in a hat, each person draws a name and then buy a gift for that person. We group the cousins/grandkids together and then group the adults/siblings together, including any in-laws. This is a great way to get to know family members better and then a quick way to connect amidst the chaos of the day.

A couple years ago one of my siblings invited my family for Christmas Eve dinner. They love to cook and wanted to share the evening with more family and we were very happy to participate. It is so nice to have a chance to see family in smaller groups because when everyone is together it is hard to really catch up.