What makes the last two months of the year “the most wonderful time of the year”? Is it food and family, memories and nostalgia or a sense of belonging? Is it the fondness of the rich activities, rituals and traditions we share? From Thanksgiving to the New Year, most families are busy with plans to celebrate the season – and traditions– these special ways of celebrating year after year, are an important piece of warmth and connection any strong family.
Traditions are especially meaningful during the holidays and children benefit greatly from experiencing and joining in family rituals. The activities families repeat year after year bring about a heightened sense of attentiveness, adding a sense of magic, spirit and texture to our normal routines. Traditions help build a sense of continuity resulting in cherished memories and a sense of belonging. Memories are a part of what makes us who we are and helps shape our future.
Traditions offer many benefits to our families. They help us:
Gain a sense of identity – the way each family celebrates special occasions helps differentiate them from other families, providing a sense of belonging. Also, family traditions tell a story about the family and their beliefs. Psychologist Marshal Duke believes that children who have knowledge of their family’s history are typically more well-adjusted and self-confident than children who don’t.
Experience strength – families who maintain traditions report having a stronger connection than families who don’t have established rituals together. This bond provides a link between past and future generations and fosters a sense of intimacy and uniqueness. As families connect, trust is established and children realize they are part of something special and unique.
Feel comfort and security – In our busy and ever-changing world it’s comforting to have some things stay the same. Traditions are one way to help family members – especially children – stay grounded. The expected and predictable nature of rituals helps promote a sense of security.
Teach values – one of the most important outcomes of rituals (whether religious or secular) is to teach and reinforce values. Holiday rituals are especially important because they represent times when we truly connect our family’s past to our lives today. Through yearly celebrations, family members make a commitment to each other to carry on an important and valued legacy that shapes their family culture and history.
Create lasting memories – In her book “Ask the Children”, Ellen Galinsky describes a survey in which she asked children what they would remember most about their childhood. Most of the kids responded by talking about traditions such as family dinners, holiday get-togethers, and bedtime stories. Psychologists suggest that these positive childhood memories can help make your child a happier and more generous adult.
Traditions are worth preserving and passing on to our children. Like treasured family heirlooms, they help carry our beliefs and practices across generations. They teach our children what is important in life – and that family is worth the investment of time. Family traditions don’t have to be elaborate to create connections. Even the simplest events that are predictable reflect your family’s values, and offer a sense of identity that can bind your family together in a deep, meaningful way. One of my greatest joys is hearing my children reminisce and think back to the traditions and rituals we have shared through the years. Those memories are a part of what makes them who they are and will shape them for the future and for their family.
Traditions are worth preserving and passing on to our children. Like treasured family heirlooms, they help carry our beliefs and practices across generations.
Establishing traditions encourages family members to connect by setting up the expectation of spending quality time together. Whether handed down from generation to generation, or starting fresh with a new idea, family traditions are truly the glue that binds the family together and they help make this time of year a season of joy.
This research provided further evidence that family traditions are beneficial as they give families strength, identity, and generational continuity. Traditions strengthen and support families and strong families tend to create more traditions. These traditions allow the family to evaluate itself and make necessary adjustments, while faith and values energize the process and give traditions additional meaning. Healthy traditions create a winning situation for families-a situation worth planning for and well worth implementing. = Family and holiday traditions don’t have to be elaborate celebrations.