Although traditions are frequently used to define a family, it is often difficult to determine just what a family tradition is.
What makes a tradition special?
In Judith Lieberman's book, Let's Celebrate: Creating New Family Traditions (Putnam, 1984) she describes tradition as a highly personal behaviour that is often handed down from one generation to the next and firmly anchored in family life by the force of habit.
Although naturally occurring routines and pre-existing activities can make up some of the most powerful family rituals and traditions, new symbolically charged activities and ideas can energize a family.
Rituals and traditions serve an array of purposes, so whether your goal is to strengthen ties, bridge generational divides, or to boost spirit and morale, these 20 ideas can help you and your family appreciate the value of tradition.
How to strengthen family ties
1. Host a monthly family movie or games night, where each member takes a turn choosing the night's entertainment.
2. Get a yearly family portrait, making sure to incorporate special momentos or significant objects into the photo.
3. Explore your family's ethnic background by cooking recipes, reading books, and learning a language from an ancestral homeland.
4. Arrange a special dinner together once a week where each family member rotates being the guest of honour.
5. Perform a daily family prayer or meditation.
6. Plan special birthday activities for each family member, making sure to celebrate their individual tastes and passions.
7. Go on a family walk every morning or evening.
How to bridge generational divides
8. Host a family reunion.
9. Visit relatives regularly.
10. Go on a family road trip, excursion, or vacation every year.
11. Honour older relatives while celebrating Christmas, Hannukah, or Ramadan by incorporating some of their cherished celebrations into your own.
12. Choose a day each year to go through family photo albums or watch old home videos together.
13. Recruit friends and extended family to regularly volunteer at a soup-kitchen or shelter.
Page 1 of 2 -- Learn how to boost your family's spirits with our tips on page 2
