by Rachel Wells
The importance of spending time together as a family is indisputable, but with busy lives and hectic schedules it can be hard to keep up with finding quality time to spend together on a regular basis. One of the best ways to connect as a family and create lasting memories is through family traditions. Family traditions create a sense of comfort and belonging, give everyone something to look forward to, and help create healthy family values. Family traditions can be as unique and special as the family itself, or be passed down from generation to generation.
The new year is a perfect time to re-evaluate the traditions your family currently has and create new ones together. If you’re looking for some new traditions to try out this year we have plenty of ideas to get you started.
1. Make homemade gifts or cards for each other on holidays
Traditions don’t have to cost you anything, and there’s nothing quite like receiving a handmade gift or handwritten note.
2. Have a weekly movie night
Designate one night a week for family movie night. Make pizza, pop some popcorn, and enjoy a few treats together.
3. Dinner date night
Pick one night each month to go out to eat together – and rotate which family member gets to choose the location.
4. Try a new activity each month
Choose a day each month for a fun outing and rotate which family member gets to choose. It can be something you’ve tried before or something completely new to experience together.
5. Volunteer in the community
Look for local opportunities to volunteer at annually – serving in a shelter at holiday time, bringing cards or gifts to a retirement home, filling up a local micro pantry in the fall, etc.
6. Family cooking
Choose one night a week where you all cook a meal together in the kitchen.
7. Weekly game night
Games are perfect for creating memories and getting everyone to connect.
8. High/low/buffalo
At the end of the day or at the dinner table play “high, low, buffalo” where each person shares a “high” or good thing that happened to them that day, a “low” or not-so-great thing that happened, and a “buffalo” or random thing that happened.
9. Go seasonal fruit picking
Whether you choose to pick strawberries in the spring or apples in the fall – pick a few favorites and head out together each year.
10. Family book club
Choose a book everyone will read on their own and meet at the end of the month for a family book club complete with discussion questions and fun treats.
11. Matching holiday pjs
Choose a holiday and give everyone matching pajama sets. The night everyone gets their pj’s plan a holiday themed night that may include movies, treats, games, crafting, or other fun activities.
Remember family traditions should be something that everyone enjoys and looks forward to repeating year after year – so feel free to change things up and only keep traditions your whole family loves.
