Creating Traditions
(Written by Emily Thomas)
A family tradition is anything that the family does together on a regular basis that joins them together and celebrates the family bond. In fact, most families already have traditions. A tradition doesn't have to be a big, expensive event - just something that brings them together, strengthening the relationship, from immediate to extended family. Since every family unit is unique unto itself, the traditions created by each family are sure to be unique and special to the whole family.
Thinking about the winter season, what do you remember most? Who were the most important people surrounding you at the time? What did you love? What things don’t you miss? And how do you feel as you reflect on your memories? Asking yourself these questions can help you build upon what type of traditions you choose to hold onto, change or let go of. The emotions your memories evoke influence your decisions as a parent.
Sometimes traditions that were from childhood or even young adulthood don’t make sense for your particular family in this moment of your lives. Others can be so important that you want to find a way to make them happen every year, no matter what. Take the time to determine which traditions work best for your family. The process of adding, subtracting or growing traditions to fit your current needs is meant to remove the stress that often comes with the winter holidays.
Make Traditions Your Own
Take the opportunity to create new traditions you and your family will truly love. Think back to what was missing in your childhood. What did you not have enough of? A cultural connection? Time spent with extended family? Creating newer, better traditions for yourself and your family can be extremely fulfilling. You may even find things that your children really love that you had not done as a child.
Most importantly, traditions don't have to include spending tons of money, elaborate outings and Pinterest worthy matching outfits. Simple, accessible activities that cater to your family’s interests and include everyone are the way to go.
This is the healthiest way to foster new or existing traditions. Family traditions are part of the “language” of a family, a symbolic way of relating that everyone understands. As life moves forward, and people grow and change, family traditions keep us connected, creating memories for everyone to share for a lifetime.
As the lovely Rachel from The Minimalist Mom blog writes “Reminder: we don't have to continue holiday traditions that leave us broke, overwhelmed and tired.” If it feels like an obligation and you find that you're the only one who cares about keeping up a tradition it can start to feel like a drag. If it feels overwhelming and the tradition requires more energy, funds and brainpower than you're willing to give it. These are valid and understandable reasons to let these traditions go. Keep the ones you like, discard the ones you don't. Come together to establish traditions that each and every member of the family, and members will enjoy.
Winter Solstice + Savoring Season
Reflect, release, and set intentions for the new season with a celebration of the winter solstice. It can be a time to honor both the light and the darkness. Bringing warmth to your home throughout the winter season can allow your family to create and enjoy some new traditions as well.
Decorate An Outdoor Edible Tree For The Animals
A live outdoor tree with edible ornaments for birds and other creatures makes for a fun project with kids. Some ideas include citrus bird feeders, peanut butter pine cones, seed ornaments, and classic popcorn and cranberry garlands. Trim the tree and watch the critters come by and enjoy their treats! A wonderful book to pair with this project is Night Tree by Eve Bunting, a beautiful story about a family tradition.
Make Winter Solstice Lanterns
There are dozens of DIY-lantern projects out there, and it’s really about finding one that works with what you already have at home. A simple one is using glass jars decorated with colored tissue paper adhered to the outside using mod podge or white school glue and paint brushes. Once it’s all dry, drop a tea light into it and enjoy the warm glow!
Spend The Night By Candlelight
Switching off all the electric lights and doing dinner, homework, bath, story time, and more by the light of candles and warm lantern light makes even mundane activities extra special, and also makes the long, dark night more real. It also helps everyone appreciate the modern conveniences we take for granted!
Read Winter Solstice or Winter Themed Books
What better time to snuggle up under a blanket and read through a stack of wintery-themed books? The picture book The Shortest Day, written by Newbury Medal–winner Susan Cooper and illustrated by Carson Ellis, is the perfect introduction to Winter Solstice. It moves through times to show how the traditions and celebrations surrounding the Winter solstice have carried on and evolved over centuries. Visit our Napp GoodReads for a list of other wonderful winter reads to cozy up to!
Make Some Wassail
This traditional warming drink is perfect for sipping during a solstice celebration (and it makes the house smell incredible). Simply combine 2 quarts apple cider, 1 1/2 cups orange juice, 3/4 cup pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 cinnamon sticks, a dash of ground cinnamon, and a dash of ground cloves in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Discard the cinnamon sticks, pour into mugs, and serve.