Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Family Traditions

Creating Lasting Memories


Family picture of myself and my sons overlooking a waterfall.
Hiking with my boys

Family traditions create a sense of belonging, strengthen family bonds, and create lasting memories. 

Looking back now that my children are adults, I am thankful for the family traditions we had as a family. Still to this day, I try to keep those family traditions alive and have started new traditions even though my children are adults. 

In today's fast-paced world, family traditions seem to be fading over time. However, it's never too late to start new traditions or revive old ones. Making Time for My Family is very important for me.

 

Remembering Family Traditions

The beginning of the new year brings me back to the days when I would begin planning for the year ahead. One of those plans involved what to do on Spring Break. This was a chance to have some real quality family time. Also a time to start new traditions. 


Easter Traditions

Typically, Spring Break coincides with Easter, a holiday rich in traditions such as family meals, Easter egg hunts, and dying eggs. 

Growing up, these customs fostered lasting memories and strong connections with my cousins, which I now pass on to my own family.

Family gatherings evoke a sense of belonging, and certain foods transport me back to those cherished moments. The excitement of waking up to Easter baskets and participating in egg hunts remains vivid. As a mother, witnessing my children's joy mirrors my own childhood excitement. These traditions also create opportunities to discuss the origins of Easter eggs, helping children understand the holiday's significance and messages.


My son and I at the kitchen table dying Easter Eggs.
coloring eggs with my son


How to Create New Traditions

  • Start by brainstorming ideas with your family members 
  • Consider activities that everyone enjoys
  • Pick activities that can be done regularly 
  • Promote joy and unity 
  • Goal to create lasting memories 
One such tradition for me is having Sister's Weekends, just a weekend with me and my sisters. It is so important to me to have this family time because now that I am older I realize how quickly time goes by. I want to make the most of the time I have left. 

The Importance of Spending Time Outside

Spending time outside is an essential part of many family traditions. I have so many memories of camping, fishing, and boating with my family growing up. It was part of our life to be outdoors even in the winter with ice fishing and building snow forts. 

With the influx of social media and video games, a lot of families miss out on quality family time. Outdoor activities promote physical health, mental well-being, and a sense of adventure. They also provide an opportunity for families to disconnect from technology and connect with nature. 

Even starting out with small adventures outside as often as you can. I would pack up a lunch and head to the playground with my kids. We would adventure out to local parks and state parks in the area so my kids could explore nature.  


My boys sitting around a campfire during a camping outing with me.
Camping with my boys! 

Family traditions are an essential part of creating a strong family identity and building lasting memories. By creating new traditions and reviving old ones, you can strengthen family bonds and create a sense of belonging. Incorporating outdoor activities into your family traditions can promote physical health, mental well-being, and a sense of adventure. So, start planning your next family tradition today and embrace the outdoors to create long-lasting bonds and memories!


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