6 Ways to Begin Family Traditions
What makes life exciting and interesting? For some people, life is interesting only when something different is on the agenda. But for many others, simple rituals and traditions provide memories and experiences that are remembered throughout a lifetime.
Traditions make life meaningful and give us a heritage that often passes from one generation to another. Unfortunately most people simply don’t know how to start traditions, or struggle to maintain rituals because the rituals are complicated and time consuming. Consider some simple steps for starting and maintaining family rituals and traditions.
Identify what’s important. Spending meaningful, regular time together is a priority, one that must be intentional and ordered. Do this simply by sitting down together as a couple or family to discuss its importance and decided whether to make this a priority.
Ask God to bless your plans. Before you establish priorities and plans, ask God to guide you and bless your efforts. Ask God to speak to each person about the value and importance of your plans.
Make realistic plans. Again, family discussion is important here. Choosing what to do and when to do it are keys to developing family traditions. Start small and allow the tradition to grow as time passes. Remember that small children have short attention spans, and teens often have complicated schedules.
Allow flexibility. Sometimes the time for a family tradition may need adjustment. For example, family prayer and devotional thoughts may be a routine for the evening meal. Rather than cancel this because of schedule conflicts, plan this for breakfast, lunch, or bedtime. If a family member will be away from home, consider carrying the tradition with the absent member involved by phone. Remember also that occasions will come when you do have to abandon your plans. Make changes as necessary while maintaining the tradition as a priority.
Include guests and friends. If you have guests in your home when you normally conduct family rituals and traditions, include them. Periodically invite friends to share in this special time, especially if the tradition calls for outdoor activities or recognition of milestones.
Share stories with others about your experience. Include highlights and realities. Admit defeats or changes and what caused them. Discuss your traditions with others in church to seek advice for how to make improvements.
Family life simply can be difficult. Family rituals and traditions may provide a place of security and completeness for each family member. During these moments, children and adults can say important things to one another about God, family, feelings, priorities, and so forth. The key is to focus on the experience, not the time or process.
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