It’s Never too Late to Begin Family Traditions
amily traditions are the activities, routines and behaviours your family does that are special to you. These traditions become special to your family and (hopefully) get passed down from generation to generation. Family traditions play an important role in shaping our identities and strengthening family connections. Your traditions will weave their way through your family, linking the generations.
‘Traditions help to create memories, impart life values, support identity, belonging and security’ - Unknown
Family traditions may be passed down from your parents and grandparents, or you can create your own when your children are young. But it doesn’t matter if you haven’t begun. Even older children and adults can appreciate a new custom. It’s never too late to start!
Family traditions can be the small things that you do:
The song you sing to your child as they go to sleep
The silly handshake/kiss/cuddle you share
The silly names you give things or sayings you share
Reading a story book before bed
Enjoying a family meal together
It may be religious celebrations or festivals that you share:
Christmas & Easter
Australia Day
Chinese New Year
Ramadan
Hanukkah
ANZAC day
Perhaps it is the sporting events that you share:
Australian Open
AFL Grand Final
NRL State of Origin
Local sports clubs
It may be the special things you do to celebrate birthdays:
The balloons when they wake up
The special breakfast or dinner
The way you share gifts
Homemade birthday cake
A tradition can be anything that brings enjoyment to your family. An annual Christmas holiday at the beach, Sundays at church, winter trips to the mountains or visiting grandparents every second weekend. Every family has its unique way of doing life, filled with instances that could become traditions. Think of traditions as leaving memories for your kids.
When deciding on your family traditions, I suggest you keep it simple, stay flexible, remain in line with your values and don’t over complicate or over commit! You want these traditions to be ongoing, day after day or year after year, even when you are tired or the kids are overly excited—like Christmas Eve!
Keep in mind that at the heart of tradition is connection and unity within your family.
