How to Create Holiday Traditions for Children

Many of us are not particularly traditional when it comes to the holidays. The commercialism that begins earlier and earlier each year can be a turn off. By the time Christmas and Chanukah roll around we're feeling anything but jolly. But for children, everything is still fresh and new, and traditions add depth and meaning to special occasions. If you have children, you may want to consider starting some family traditions for the holidays. Here are some ideas to create traditions that are more about love and continuity than commercialism.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Creativity
• Stories
• Songs
• Love

1. Children love traditions involving delicious food. Is there a wonderful recipe in your family that your mother or grandmother created? Whether it is Christmas cookies, Chanukah latkes or something completely unique, the holidays are a great time to share family foods with your kids. They will enjoy the warm sense of companionship as well as the yummy smells and tastes when they help you prepare a holiday dish.

2. If cooking isn't your thing, food can still be a part of the holiday traditions you create. Maybe you have a favorite restaurant where you can share a holiday dinner with your kids, or perhaps your tradition will be exploring a new one each year. Even take-out food that your kids really love can be a memorable meal if you spread out a blanket on the floor and have an annual holiday "picnic!"

3. The telling and retelling of stories on holidays gives children a sense of history, hope, magic and continuity. Sharing Christmas or Chanukah stories with your children is a tradition they will really appreciate. You can find endless books in your local library or book store, ranging from the stories of the holidays themselves to sweet and warm stories simply involving the holidays. Of course you don't have to rely on anyone else's stories. Be creative and make up your own!

4. Music enriches any holiday tradition. If you sing or play an instrument, you can have a holiday sing-along with your kids. There are so many holiday songs out there, from sacred and serious to downright silly. It is easy to find something that both you and your children will like. You don't have to be a professional musician. Your children will just enjoy sharing music with you and will not judge your ability. If you are not comfortable making music with your children, you can still create a musical holiday tradition by playing holiday CD's for them or taking them to holiday concerts.

5. Children have lots of fun decorating for holidays. You can create your own decorative traditions by including their interests in the decorations. Perhaps your child loves animals. A holiday "animal garden" could be arranged around your tree or menorah using her plastic animal toys or stuffed animals. The possibilities are endless and you don't have to spend a lot of money.

6. Giving is an important part of the holidays. This doesn't mean getting involved in all the commercialism which often clouds the original holiday spirit. You might want to start a holiday tradition with your children of giving to those in need. Maybe you could volunteer together at a shelter or soup kitchen, or take up a collection for a good cause. You can also create a tradition of giving to family and friends which is meaningful to all of you. It may sound old fashioned, but homemade gifts crafted with love are often the ones best remembered in years to come. Store bought gifts should reflect an understanding of the qualities that make the receiver special to you.

[MicheleS]

on 2/8/2008 I agree with keeping holiday traditions. It's important for children to have something solid to look forward to in an uncertain world