Every family has a rhythm and a way of doing things––everything from before-school routines to holiday plans. But in the hectic buzz of life, finding time to make these rhythms and routines a bigger deal and establish them as traditions has become a lost art. However, taking the time to treat certain habits as family traditions not only heightens your family’s awareness of what it’s like to be a part of your family, but they also prove to add more meaning to family time. Find out our three undeniable reasons your family should start family traditions
1. Traditions can tell a story
Finding activities for your family to establish as traditions can provide your family members with a source of identity because everyone will have a shared story to tell. Not only that, but these stories create memories that can be recalled and shared for generations to come. If your family always competes against each other in flag football on Thanksgiving morning, every year you will all have the chance to create new memories that when pieced together create a larger family narrative.
2. Traditions can teach family morals
Picking specific traditions that align with certain life principles and morals can teach your family about the importance of living life with these values in mind. On a smaller scale, make sure everyone says goodnight to each other before bed every night so no one goes to sleep angry with someone else. This will make sure your family values and respects the feelings of each other. On a much larger scale, volunteering at a homeless shelter or helping out with the veterans in your community a few times a year establishes morals of service and selflessness your family will carry for years to come.
3. Traditions can encourage experience
Establishing traditions are the perfect way to find new activities and hobbies your family loves to do together. Make an effort to take your family to a concert, attend an art class, or plan a family vacation––anything that brings your family together to experience something new and different. In doing so, your family will have the chance to find new passions while making lasting memories at the same time.
Family traditions can easily be associated with that cringe-worthy eye roll, but the truth is they shouldn’t be. Remember these three reasons why your family needs to start family traditions, so your family can make memories that will last a lifetime.
