Traditions bond us to our families throughout life. They\nhelp create a strong family identity and keep us connected to our family\nhistory, heritage, and values. While traditions can be created around everyday\nsituations, they\u2019re most often associated with holiday celebrations. What we\neat, how we celebrate, where we celebrate are often built on tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year has provided a chance to review our current\ntraditions and figure out if they still serve their purpose of connection. If\nsome traditions feel more like a chore or no longer reflect your values, it\u2019s a\ngreat time to create new traditions that are a better fit. Here are some ways\nyou can create new family traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The meaning behind a tradition is often more valuable than\nthe actual act itself. Since traditions slowly develop over time, you may not\nrealize you\u2019re creating one until you look back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep it personal. <\/strong>The best family traditions reflect\nthe entire family. What works for one family may not work for yours. Sit down\nwith the family and talk about your current traditions and what they like or\ndon\u2019t like about them. Share some ideas of new traditions you\u2019d like to try.\nDon\u2019t stress yourself out trying to copy what you see on Pinterest or\nInstagram! Choose traditions that are fun and meaningful to your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019t like about them. Share some ideas of new traditions you\u2019d like to try. Don\u2019t stress yourself out trying to copy what you see on Pinterest or Instagram! Choose traditions that are fun and meaningful to your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Set your intentions. <\/strong>Think about what your intention\nor purpose you\u2019re trying to achieve with this tradition. Will it serve as a fun\nmemory for the family? Will it serve as a way to reconnect? Are you hoping to\nestablish a connection to a religious or cultural value? Keeping your intention\nfront of mind will help you remain focused on the ultimate goal and determine\nif a tradition is worth keeping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Combine common traditions. <\/strong>Find ways to combine traditions:\nlisten to holiday music while looking at Christmas light displays. Sip on hot\nchocolate and enjoy treats while decorating the house or tree. This is a great\nway to combine long-held family traditions as well. Did one parent grow up\nopening gifts on Christmas Eve and the other only on Christmas day? Come to a\ncompromise and open one gift on Christmas Eve and the remaining the next day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n