This is the time of the year when we’re celebrating holidays back to back. But why wait for “official” holidays to celebrate? Create your own family traditions that are special and meaningful to your family. In her book, Everyday Opportunities for Extraordinary Parenting, Bobbi Conner offers several ideas for reasons for your family to celebrate throughout the year including:
Children’s Day (each family selects the date and it can change each year)
First Day Back to School
First Day of Summer Vacation
Annual Family Spring Walk Together (the first day of Spring — rain or shine!)
The Family Pet’s Birthday
Family and Friend’s Monthly Dinner (each family member invites one or more friends over for a dinner or party)
Report Card Celebration
First Day Home from Summer Camp
Mom or Dad’s Promotion at Work
Parents Night Off From Cooking (have the kids cook or order in)
There’s literally hundreds of reasons to celebrate if you really think about it. When your teen gets their driver’s license, a part-time job, or accepted to college, for example. When you pay off your mortgage or make that last car payment— that’s right– celebrate! When you add all the holidays you normally celebrate you’re looking at a non-stop party of family fun. These celebrations keep your family close and connected and create memories that last a lifetime.
A family tradition can be as simple as having Sunday dinner together or perhaps a once a month trip to the movies, skating, bowling, etc. Our first trip to the pumpkin patch this year is a tradition I plan to continue. Tyler and I also have movie night each weekend. I rent DVD’s from the library, we turn off the lights and then munch on popcorn or other snacks. Tyler just received a perfect score on his CRT’s and you guessed it, we celebrated. So take a look at your family and find ways reasons to celebrate– you’ll find there are many opportunities out there to do so. What are some of your family’s special celebrations?
For more on family traditions and celebrations see also:
Adoptive Families- Special Days and Celebrations
All About Me: Family Fall Traditions