The book says,
Brainstorm with your children and spouse about making a new family tradition. Perhaps something wonderful and spontaneous occurred as you were preparing to leave for summer vacation, the night before Thanksgiving, the afternoon of the first snowfall of the season, or on the way to the pumpkin patch.Or, maybe you had a pillow fight that ended with everyone making popcorn, S'mores, and watching old movies in your pajamas... if it still evokes powerful memories for all of you, make it a tradition.
Other ideas might include an annual family cleaning day (when everyone pitches in to clean the basement, garage or attic), an annual family fun day (let a child choose what the family does for the day, even if it is hunting), or an annual plant-a-garden day.
According to a best selling author and leading Canadian authority on parenting teenagers, traditions help to determine family boundaries and help children feel more secure by giving them a sense of belonging to a clearly defined unit.
Growing up we had a couple of family traditions. One important tradition was at Christmastime. We used to do the Advent during the month of December. When the kids got into elementary school we started this tradition in our family and home. We had a few others like camping on certain days of the summer, dinner on Sunday's at my parents after church, On New Years Eve- watching the ball drop in Times Square on TV and probably others. These are what comes to mind right now.
As the kids left home, so did many traditions. I've tried to have a yearly picnic but the kids seem to pick those times to have squabbles among themselves. We tried the yearly memorial day family camping trip. It went bust two years ago. It seems the kids are so much better off without each other in their lives. Maybe since there are four seasons and I have four children I will dedicate a season to each one and start a separate tradition with them separately.
Do you have a family tradition?
Just For Today: I give thanks for my family and where we are today. I pray for happiness and healing.
pic found @ Pinterest
Post from the book: Live Happy
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