Creating Lasting Memories: Holiday Traditions with Family
The holiday season is a time of joy, love, and togetherness, bringing families closer like no other time of the year. It's the perfect opportunity to create cherished memories and establish traditions - both old and new - that will be passed down through generations. Now that I am a mom, I realize how important these family traditions are and it’s more important than ever for me to make sure I am passing them on to my son. As our family grows, it’s been incredibly exciting to create new, lasting traditions for him as well. Here are some of the ways we’ve been celebrating together.
1. Embracing the Spirit of Celebration:
The essence of holiday traditions lies in the joyous celebration of the season. From trimming the tree together to decorating the house or cooking special family recipes together, these traditions infuse our homes with warmth and love. The whole family can gather around the table to decorate cookies or build a gingerbread house, creating a beautiful array of sweet treats and edible works of art. The excitement builds as everyone eagerly awaits the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. As I child, there was nothing more exciting than leaving my pillow case at the foot of my bed along with milk and cookies to feed a hungry Santa upon arrival. Now, I get to watch my own son experience that magic himself.
2. Meaningful Activities that Bind Us:
Holiday traditions go beyond mere celebration; they provide opportunities for engaging activities that bring family members closer. One tradition I’ve adopted from my husbands family is the Secret Santa gift exchange. A heartfelt activity like writing holiday cards to loved ones near and far can also foster a sense of connection and empathy within the family circle. This year, my father in law started a croquet match with all the kids which was such a success that we have innaugurated a new tradition - the “Family Pajama Croquet Tournament”.
Our First Annual Croquet Pajama Tournament
3. Bonding through Giving Back:
The holiday season is a time for spreading love and kindness to those in need. As my son grows, it is incredibly important for me to teach him that the holidays are not centered around what you receive but rather, what you give. Incorporating charitable activities into your family traditions can create a lasting impact on both the recipients and your family members themselves. Consider volunteering at a local shelter, participating in a food drive, or donating toys to underprivileged children. Start a tradition where your children choose one or several gifts of theirs to donate to other children. Visiting the toy drive at the LA Children’s Hospital was an annual activity for me growing up and has left an indelible mark on me. I hope the same for my son. These acts of kindness not only bring the family closer but also instill the values of gratitude, compassion, and generosity in younger members.
4. Exploring Beloved Traditions:
Every family has their unique customs and rituals that make the holiday season truly special. Whether it's attending a midnight church service on Christmas Eve, exchanging pajamas on Christmas morning, or gathering around a crackling fire to read a favorite holiday story, these traditions reinforce a sense of belonging and create a shared sense of nostalgia. In our culturally diverse family, we are fortunate to have many timeless traditions to enjoy. In Spain, we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve and on Dia de Los Reyes. In Australia, we follow the British tradition of a big Christmas day lunch. The fact that it’s summertime makes it even more unique and special. I have the best memories of Christmas day at the beach. Hanukkah always falls around this time of year as well, so we are lucky to have even more celebrations which include eating latkas, playing dreidel, and lighting the candles for each of the 8 nights. Take the time to discover and embrace these cherished family traditions, passing them down from one generation to the next.
Holiday traditions with family are the threads that weave treasured memories, heartfelt moments, and unbreakable bonds. Whether you're carrying on time-honored customs passed down through generations or creating new traditions that reflect your family's unique spirit, the holiday season is a time to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Embrace the joy, engage in meaningful activities, give back, and cultivate traditions – for in doing so, you'll be making memories that will warm your hearts and bring smiles to faces for years to come.
Here are some other easy at-home ideas for creating new family traditions:
✨ Create a family movie night: Pick a classic or let each family member choose their favorite film. 🍿
✨ Cook together: Challenge yourselves with a new or timeless family recipe or simply plan a potluck. There’s something so special and meaningful in sharing a meal of which everyone was involved. 🍳
✨ Have a game marathon: Dust off those board games and bring out the deck of cards. Unleash your competitive spirit! Try picking a game that becomes an annual holiday tradition.♟️🃏
✨ Arrange a home treasure hunt: Hide clues around the house and watch as your family solves the mystery together. This is great for families with lots of kids. In Australia, we always did this outdoors in the summer sun. 🗺️
✨ Start a family book club: Choose a book everyone can enjoy and take turns discussing chapters. A great way to encourage reading! 📚
✨ Build a fort: Gather blankets and pillows to create a cozy fort, perfect for storytelling and bonding time. 🏰
✨ Have a DIY day: Engage in arts and crafts projects, from painting to making jewelry. Get into the holiday spirit by making holiday cards for all the family members with your kids.🎨✂️
✨ Plan a family workout: Exercise is more fun together! Try dancing, yoga, or even creating an obstacle course. In Australia, we have an annual swim competition, which is perfect to burn off the big Christmas lunch.🧘♀️🏋️♂️
✨ Share family stories: Reminisce about family history or funny moments or set up a family video movie night. Cherish memories and have the older generations share stories of their childhood. 📖❤️