Traditions bond us to our families throughout life. They help create a strong family identity and keep us connected to our family history, heritage, and values. While traditions can be created around everyday situations, they’re most often associated with holiday celebrations. What we eat, how we celebrate, where we celebrate are often built on tradition.
This year has provided a chance to review our current traditions and figure out if they still serve their purpose of connection. If some traditions feel more like a chore or no longer reflect your values, it’s a great time to create new traditions that are a better fit. Here are some ways you can create new family traditions.
Tips for creating new family traditions
The meaning behind a tradition is often more valuable than the actual act itself. Since traditions slowly develop over time, you may not realize you’re creating one until you look back.
Keep it personal. The best family traditions reflect the entire family. What works for one family may not work for yours. Sit down with the family and talk about your current traditions and what they like or don’t like about them. Share some ideas of new traditions you’d like to try. Don’t stress yourself out trying to copy what you see on Pinterest or Instagram! Choose traditions that are fun and meaningful to your family.
The best family traditions reflect the entire family. What works for one family may not work for yours. Sit down with the family and talk about your current traditions and what they like or don’t like about them. Share some ideas of new traditions you’d like to try. Don’t stress yourself out trying to copy what you see on Pinterest or Instagram! Choose traditions that are fun and meaningful to your family.
Set your intentions. Think about what your intention or purpose you’re trying to achieve with this tradition. Will it serve as a fun memory for the family? Will it serve as a way to reconnect? Are you hoping to establish a connection to a religious or cultural value? Keeping your intention front of mind will help you remain focused on the ultimate goal and determine if a tradition is worth keeping.
Combine common traditions. Find ways to combine traditions: listen to holiday music while looking at Christmas light displays. Sip on hot chocolate and enjoy treats while decorating the house or tree. This is a great way to combine long-held family traditions as well. Did one parent grow up opening gifts on Christmas Eve and the other only on Christmas day? Come to a compromise and open one gift on Christmas Eve and the remaining the next day.
Expand on what you’re already doing. Is there something you already do that can be expanded upon? Take cues from your current habits. Maybe you usually bake for family and friends. This can be expanded by including the kids in the recipe selection, shopping, baking preparation, packaging, and delivering the baked goods.
Keep it simple. The holiday season is busy so keep your traditions simple and manageable. This way you won’t feel overwhelmed and burdened by having to do something elaborate or takes a lot of time, like finding a hiding spot for a certain little helper every night! Keeping things simple also includes paring down on current activities. Like the baking example, instead of making several different treats, choose one treat to bake for everyone on your list. The simpler the tradition, the more enjoyable it’ll be.
Traditions are a great way to connect as a family and enjoy each other’s company. It’s one way to make your holiday season still look and feel familiar even when times are different. If you’re looking for a new home to enjoy your new holiday traditions in, visit us online at DiscoveryHomes.com to learn more about our new home communities throughout the Bay Area. We’re looking forward to welcoming you home.