Tag Archives: family traditions

A Twist on S’mores and Traditions

When we went camping last month, we brought along ingredients for s’mores. For my boys, it just wouldn’t be camping without s’mores. I didn’t grow up with s’mores. While we did roast marshmallows when we camped, I don’t remember having s’mores until pre-teen slumber parties. I have to confess, s’mores are a little sticky sweet for me. But it’s a tradition. So I usually have one. On our campout, my oldest son decided to roast a banana. It fell in the coals a few times, but he pronounced it a hit. He didn’t share, so I can’t vouch for it. … Continue reading →

Everyday Traditions – Nava Atlas

Our lives are so busy. Everyone I know is busy, particularly those of us with children. Sometimes my own family is too busy. I know it’s the little things kids treasure and remember. Things like their mom playing cards with them, or making them cinnamon toast when they are sick, or giving their stuffed animals a kiss goodnight. Everyday Traditions: Simple Family Rituals for Connection and Comfort by Nava Atlas reinforces my belief that it’s the little things that matter. In fact she elevates those little things to be more than little things. The cinnamon toast becomes a sick day … Continue reading →

Creating a New Holiday Tradition

I’ve always been the traditional kind of girl when it came to holidays. I like my turkey on Christmas and my ham on Easter. July 4th always meant barbeque. As I have gotten older, I have found that some traditions are worth changing. I always thought that having a little one in the house would make the holidays more festive and don’t get me wrong it does but I have also found that when you have kids holidays can sometimes mean more work and less time to enjoy the day. So this past Labor Day I decided to start my … Continue reading →

Start A Family Tradition: Community Service

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I have talked about family traditions before. Here’s a different kind of family tradition, one where your family gives back to the community. I have also talked about the benefits of volunteering, another great way to get your kids involved in the community. Why not start a family tradition of community service? If you look around your community, I am sure you will find things that need to be done and can be done without a lot of expense. For instance, something as simple as picking up debris in your neighborhood or cleaning up a local park can be done … Continue reading →

Fun traditions – Peppermint Pig

Holidays are filled with traditions. But no one says you can’t borrow traditions from other families or cultures. Particularly if you want to spice things up a bit. Here’s a fun tradition that my family borrowed. My brother-in-law introduced us to the peppermint pig at least a decade ago. He’d seen it in a catalog and thought we should try it. The peppermint pig started in Saratoga Springs, New York in the early 1880s making this tradition over 120 years old. The pig is a symbol of good health, happiness, and prosperity. This hard candy pig is a little smaller … Continue reading →

Why You and Your Spouse Should Create Your Own Traditions

We’ve been talking about the holidays and creating your own traditions for the holidays. That’s the great thing about having a family of your own. You can keep some of the traditions you grew up participating in and you can skip right over the traditions you didn’t care for. It doesn’t matter if you and your spouse have children, because holiday traditions are about building strong bonds. Our First Few Christmases The first few years we were together, we did not have children and I’ve told you some of the traditions we embraced in those years. When you have kids, … Continue reading →

Family Traditions: A Day to Give Thanks

Tomorrow is the day we will officially celebrate Thanksgiving and for the last decade or so, I’ve celebrated Thanksgiving with my husband, family and friends, but growing up – my parents were British and they didn’t make a big deal out of the Thanksgiving holiday. For my grandmother’s part, she believed that it was a nice enough holiday but that we should be thankful all year long and not just on one particular day. Over the last decade, I’ve developed a few of my own Thanksgiving traditions and embraced the traditions of my husband’s families. For their part, the holiday … Continue reading →

Document Those Family Traditions and Recipes

Kids grow up way too fast, and before we know it they start heading off to college and making lives of their own. Soon after, they may begin starting their own families, and they will likely want to incorporate some favorite family traditions and recipes into their holiday celebrations. While most traditions are things they will remember, it’s still a nice idea to put together a little holiday journal that includes favorite photos, funny or inspiring quotes of things family member or friends have said, and special recipes. If you’re like me, you may not always follow an exact recipe, … Continue reading →

Blending Holiday Traditions

Most families have at least a few traditions that they enjoy throughout the holidays. This can make things hectic for the couple that wants to spend times with both families, especially if plans are rigid. The best way to keep the peace and ensure that everyone enjoys the holidays is to find way to adjust, rework, and sometimes blend family traditions. Suppose his folks have always hosted Thanksgiving dinner but your Mom also has it at her house. Are you going to eat with his family then yours and then have turkey with all the trimmings at home? Doing so … Continue reading →

Create A Family Book

In a previous blog, I wrote about birthday letters as a way to honor your child each year. This idea came from the book, Everyday Opportunities for Extraordinary Parenting and the ideas jammed inside the book are just that– extraordinary. Another great idea I found is a way to honor your entire family by creating a family book. The family book is a way to chronicle your family’s life and create lasting memories. Interested in creating your own family book? Read on to find out how. Start by purchasing a sturdy photo album or three-ring binder and clear plastic sleeves. … Continue reading →