By Clio Tilton
Since having my son two and a half years ago, I’ve wanted to be intentional about creating family traditions of our own for him. Orion is now old enough to be more aware of traditions and it’s high time to make some decisions. I’m inspired by friends who carry on a whole raft of family traditions, like taking the Christmas train, filling their child’s room with balloons for their birthday, or making gingerbread houses, but I also want us to set ones that match our own family values and capacities. Here are some of the elements of traditions we’re considering as we decide on the ones we’d like to have for our family.
So, what makes a tradition?
A tradition is a repeated ritual that solidifies your family’s culture and identity and can help your family bond. It can be something you do each year for birthdays or holidays, but it doesn't need to be. A tradition can also be something you do on a weekly basis, like taco Tuesdays, or a weekly game night, or something tied to a specific season. This article has some great ideas for regular traditions you can try!
Quality Time
Remember that quality time is the most essential ingredient - being together and being present. With this element, sometimes the most random, wonderful traditions can develop on their own, like a pre-bedtime dance party or gratitude ritual. When my husband and I remember the traditions that were so meaningful to us as kids, they all involve spending quality time together with our families. So, if adding on extra work to create specific traditions feels like too much, just focus on quality time. It’s enough!
Magic
While quality time is central, part of the magic of childhood is how certain traditions take on a larger-than-life importance. Through our children’s imaginations, some rituals become treasured memories with the help of fantasy in a different way than your average Sunday afternoon at the park. Santa, for example: mostly a character in stories, but each year he is the focus of so much excitement and suspense! I want to figure out how we can create this magical element in our own traditions.
Our Values
The last piece to consider is our family values, and how we can start traditions that reflect them. For us, some of those are working to make holidays less materialistic, giving back to our community, appreciating the natural world, and general silliness. What are they for your family?
Location
As we think about creating our own traditions, another element is location. Although we both grew up in the midwest, we’re raising our family in California. Rather than feeling the loss of snow, sledding and four distinct seasons, I see it as an opportunity to create new traditions rooted in this beautiful place. We often go hiking or to the beach when we have time off together, so I’m hoping we’ll be able to continue this tradition as our family grows.
As we’re heading into the holiday season, what are some traditions you’d like to start for your family?