In “Family Traditions to Celebrate, Teach, & Identify,” Episode, #173, Meredith Curtis believes family traditions are a perfect way to celebrate holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and special days. They also help us to pass on values and give our children a sense of security as a family member. Many celebrations also lend themselves to teaching children family and national history. Where do you start to build family traditions your family will enjoy and keep everything simple and easy? Meredith hears you and she has some simple steps to take to plan your own family traditions.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Start with his and hers. Then move to ours.

Festive with purpose!

• Celebration Fun
  
• Teaching & Passing on Virtues
  
• Identification in the Family
  

Let Me Give Your Some Examples

Scriptures

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (II Corinthians 5:17)

Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14 NASB)

New Life, New Opportunities, Moving Forward

Celebrate: Game night & Festive midnight “toast with hugs”

Teach/Pass Values: Family Communion (new life in Christ) & Prayer for the New Year (new beginning)

Family Identity: “This is how we celebrate New Years”

Scripture

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 15:12 NASB)

Love for God, Romantic Love

Celebrate: “Pink & Red & White Dinner,” decorate, make Valentines for each other

Teach/Pass Values: Parents share love story or looking at wedding album, Read (or watch) something about St. Valentine

Family Identity: “This is how we celebrate St. Valentine’s Day”

Scripture

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth(Ephesians 6:1-3 NASB)

Blessing of Parents, Honoring Parents

Celebrate: Special meal, Encouragement Game, Family Outing, or Presents (combo or all)

Teach/Pass Values: Call grandparents, Send cards earlier, Help children make cards & gifts for parent

Family Identity: “This is how we celebrate Mother’s Day & Father’s Day”

Brainstorm your dreams for your family

Talk to your husband – his favorite holiday traditions

Talk to your kids – what are there favorite holiday traditions

Can tweak traditions (e.g. opening presents one at a time)

Think in terms of Celebrate & Teach/Pass Values. All traditions help establish a family identity.

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Be proactive this holiday season!