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Step 1
Identify the goal of starting a family tradition. Traditions are activities that are repeated throughout the years as a way of bringing a family closer together. Whether it be something spiritual, such as a way to celebrate the religious meaning of Hanukkah, or something secular, such as a way to divvy up gift giving, meaningful family traditions don't have to be complicated, but they should have a purpose.
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Step 2
Pick an aspect of Hanukkah that is of particular interest to the whole family and start a tradition around that aspect. For example, families to whom the religious history of Hanukkah is very important may choose to start a tradition around going to synagogue on Hanukkah.
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Step 3
Choose an activity that will include all the members of your family. For young children a simple Hanukkah tradition such as decorating the house together or baking cookies is easier to accomplish than something like forgoing gift giving in lieu of donating to a charity.
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Step 4
Modify one of the typical Hanukkah traditions to reflect common bonds your family already possesses. For example, if all the members of your family really like to eat almonds, play the driedel game using almonds instead of the the customary gelt. Or it may be that nobody in your family can carry a tune, in which case starting the tradition of reciting the Hanukkah blessings instead of singing them may be in order.
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Step 5
Assess your current Hanukkah traditions as a family and be willing to give up or replace some of them. Traditions are only worthwhile if everyone still enjoys participating in them and they continue to reflect the values of the whole family.
