Fostering Family Fun

tradition – noun – the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice; a continuing pattern of culture beliefs or practices.

Establishing strong family traditions helps to create lasting memories and a closeness within your family.

Traditions tend to encourage a sense of peace and comfort. Especially during the holidays.

Traditions don’t have to be complex. They don’t have to cost a dime.

We have a tradition each Christmas season to attend our local boat parade. We also love to drive around our town looking at Christmas lights, while listening to Christmas music.

Here are a few ideas of traditions a family may have during the holiday season ::

• Read The Christmas Story on Christmas Eve
• Watch a Christmas movie each day during the 12 days of Christmas.
• Make reindeer food.
• Purchase (or make) a special family ornament for the year.
• Go Christmas tree shopping as a family.
• Make a birthday cake for Jesus.
• Host a cookie decorating party and/or a cookie swap with friends.
• Go Christmas caroling.
• Volunteer.
• Take a family photo. Doesn’t have to be fancy – just a photo (maybe in front of your tree) to document the year.
• Spend a day baking together. Cookies, candies, and more! Let your kitchen be covered in flour and memories. What to do with all of the goodies? Eat them of course! Share with neighbors, the bank tellers, the mail person – people in your community who bless your family throughout the year.

Traditions don’t have to be cumbersome.

They only must be fun.

What family traditions does your family have during the Christmas season?

Over the next few months, I look forward to sharing at The Homeschool Village ways to foster fun family togetherness! In the meantime, you can follow our crazy adventures on our family blog, or on Facebook, or for a dose of my daily randomness, on Twitter.