Family Traditions

Patriarchal surnames are one of the most sexists traditions out there and it is time for a change.

Traditions are a major part of Thanksgiving, and every family has their own unique way of celebrating this special day. Add a Thanksgiving tree to your home to make the holiday even more special...

We're over stuffed with turkey and now Christmas is here. Yes, it's time for the holidays. For most people that means an expanding waste and a shrinking bank account. However, even if money is...

A family Bible may be one of the most precious material items in the home, easily ranking with photo albums as an irreplaceable part of a family's identity and history. Family Bibles passed down...

"Family heritage" describes broad categories related to genealogy, family trees and ethnicity. Historical research into your "family tree" can add insight into why your family lives in a...

As any parent will tell you, children grow up quickly and it can be so easy to forget the whens and wheres of the milestones that make up a child's life. That is why baby books are so valuable as...

I recently read about a 6-year-old girl who lost her battle with cancer. Even now, months later, her parents are finding notes and drawings that this little girl hid around the house -- items that...

Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner is a challenge, but with a few easy tips it doesn't have to be. This is my favorite holiday, and after years of hosting I always make plans to enjoy myself. And I...

Teenage girls are not hard to please. Gifts on their birthday make them very happy and they are usually more expressive of their appreciation than their brothers. When shopping for a gift for a...

Family reunions are great moments in the lives of all who attend. Relatives from around the country reunite and remember the good times of the past as well as catch up on current events in the...

The weather cools down and the crisp feel of autumn gets a person feeling vibrant and motivated. Getting out with family and celebrating fall is one way to use that extra energy we have stored. ...

A birthright is a right, privilege and or possession that an individual earns by birth. Birthrights are not always restricted to the firstborn. The application of a birthright can be religious,...

Family traditions are wonderful. We all have certain memories of growing up. Each family has their own unique family tradition. Now that you have a family of your own, it is time to start your...

What's a family to do to get ready for Fall? You can have some of the best times of the year, get a leg up on Winter, and stay healthy. Read on and enjoy.

Your past can serve as a refuge from current troubles and as motivation to recapture your vigor. Reminiscing about the "glory days" can give you a smile and boost your confidence. Sharing positive...

The Mexican quinceanera celebration is traditionally one of the most sacred and sentimental times in a young girl's life. It is the public welcoming party of the girl into adulthood as she...

Baptism of infants is a well meaning gesture by the parents but it does not and cannot change the child’s state (position with God). One must make these decisions for oneself as one reaches the...

Being baptized in the Lutheran church is an honor. It is a time of celebration and consecration that family and friends gather to support. Whether you're familiar with the Lutheran church or not,...

Many Minnesotans make an annual effort to attend the Great Minnesota Get Together for a day of fun with family or friends. A day at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds is always enjoyable but with so...

A family reunion is a special occasion for extended families to gather. Since many families set aside a particular date to reunite, it has become a tradition to create custom t-shirts that...

Documenting what your child does each day is a wonderful way for them to read the highlights of their lives growing up. Your child will appreciate being able to look back and read what they did...

Naming a baby is a process that can carry a great social stigma with it. Because of this, there are many different traditions that families follow in naming their children. These traditions have...

Boy or girl? That is always the first question your are asked when you find out your are expecting. There are many traditional gender prediction tests. One of these tests is the Needle or...

Most holidays are steeped in tradition. While kids are usually over-exposed to the commercial aspect of holidays, they can have hours of enjoyment learning about the meaning and traditions of...

Families are as diverse and rich as the ideas and traditions instilled in them. As schedules and activities increase the busyness in families, enrichment opportunities strengthen family bonds and...

Strong families spend time together laughing, growing and learning. Check your local parks and recreation department for a class schedule of activities you can enjoy as a family. Studies show that...

The words "message in a bottle" brings to mind the stories of marooned sea travelers placing their written message for help in a bottle and casting it out to sea. Mystic messages in a bottle can...

After all of the time and planning that went into assembling your kith and kin for a reunion, you want to make sure you preserve the memories for future generations to enjoy. Here are some ideas...

Family portraits make great gifts, and document the growth and changes in our lives. Many families, especially large families, make getting together for a family portrait a celebration. Family...

Family portraits are a traditional way to document the life of your family. However, as the family has changed, and as tastes have changed, the usual sit-down portrait is being replaced with more...

Knowing how to save money on Father's Day can boost your bond with your dad. It is not necessary for you to spend a lot of money on your dad for Father's Day. The last person in the world that...

A baby is a great occasion and there is one really great way to celebrate. Baby gift baskets and layette baskets are a traditional way to celebrate the birth of a newborn. They are filled with...

Father's Day began in 1909 when Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father who raised his six children by himself after his wife died. In America the rate of fathers abandoning their...

Let’s face it. It’s always difficult trying to decide what gifts for dad make sense and what he’ll like. It’s always best to get dad things that make sense. Here are some ideas for how to get...

These are tough days to teach kids the difference between right and wrong.

In order to find the best Father’s Day gift, you can follow these simple tips and get a gift that both you and your Dad can be happy with. Many people want to find just the right gift to show...

We forget to note the important things that we feel, as our children grow into adulthood. The days pass and the memories of our feelings wane. This a special gift only a parent can give a child....

When I was a child my Grandma grew and canned her own tomatoes and her mother did the same. When my kids were little I also grew tomatoes and canned them. Here is one of the easy recipes that...

Instill the love of reading in your grandchildren by establishing traditions around books. Snuggling on the sofa with a good book benefits Grandma, as well as the kids. Each reading session helps...

Mother's day is a day that millions of people around the world hold sentimental regard for. It is a day of reverence and honor for the one that means the most in our lives. Although mother's day...

Don't know what that special lady in your life.

Mom's are special and kids want to show them how great they are on mother's day.Here are some easy to make gifts for that special mom.

Making your own baby gifts can be a rewarding experience and can mean a great deal to the people receiving the gift if they know you made it by hand. You don't necessarily have to be a crafty or...

Going Green. Being Green. It's a matter of attitude and putting that attitude into action. The more we do as a family when our kids are young, the more likely they are to incorporate it into...

Is your son ready to swap his tricycle for a two-wheeler? Or have you decided to get your daughter a brand new bike for her birthday? Either way, the sea of options in the stores can be...

Okay, so maybe you do not want to cavort through the trees under the light of the moon. But, perhaps you DID try to balance an egg on its tip during the Spring Equinox. Whether it stems from...

Finding time to spend with family can be tough. It shouldn't be but with competing priorities, extracurricular activities, work, personal goals, etc...How can we find the time for what many claim...

Whether you plan on sending your family photo as a greeting card or hang it up on the wall, you want it to be special and as close to perfect as possible. Skip the expensive pro and try it on your...

It's Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July... whatever the holiday, you can't be there. Maybe you live too far away, travel is too expensive or your job keeps you tied down. Here's how to make...

When parents celebrate an anniversary, it's not just a celebration for the parents but for the entire family. There are many types of wedding anniversary gifts that have been bought or made for...