Family traditions can provide a feeling of cohesion and belonging within families. Family traditions can come in all shapes and sizes, from weekly pizza nights to annual holiday celebrations that bring extended family together. The holidays are a wonderful time to create new traditions for you and your family members to look forward to. Maybe you drink hot chocolate and watch a holiday movie on the first snow of the year. Or, if you celebrate Christmas, perhaps you decorate the Christmas tree as a family on the first Saturday of December.
Holiday Traditions to do with Family
Go cut down a Christmas tree together the weekend after Thanksgiving
Decorate the tree together while listening to Christmas music
Bake and decorate holiday themed cookies
Drive around to different neighborhoods and vote on your favorite light display
Build a gingerbread house
Ugly sweater contest
Give everyone in the family matching pajamas for your holiday festivities
Start a silly tradition your kids decide on
Write holiday letters to kids in the hospital
Adopt a family in need and gift them with items they want or need for the holidays
Benefits In Engaging in Family Traditions
Traditions are often formed around values and areas of importance for families and can help family members discover more about their unique identity as a family.
Families who come together around a common interest when engaging in a tradition can feel a sense of cohesion and closeness.
Joining in traditions as family members allows an opportunity to “show up” for one another, even in times of stress, frustration, hardship, and conflict.
Traditions can help families create legacies and lasting memories that will live on with family members as treasured experiences.
Some families find it difficult to engage in traditions and experience the cohesion they desire. If you find yourself struggling to feel as close with your family as you would like, especially during the holiday season, please reach out to schedule an appointment today.