Unfortunately, the faster pace lives we live now make traditions seem like a thing of the past. Think back to your own childhood. What are some things that your family did together? Traditions are one thing that gives us a tangible part of what a family means. Your family traditions may only make sense to your family! But that's OK, because that is what make them special.
Now, think of your family today. Do you think your kids can say "Every year (week, day, month) we do _____________ together." I hope so. Because if we don't pass on the importance of traditions, how will our kids know how to have a family tradition of their own? Traditions aren't something you do once for the novelty and then never visit again. They must become a part of the fabric of your family if they are to have any meaning to them. Several studies have been done on how children of families that have strong traditions are able to do better when faced with challenges in their day to day life. Family traditions don't have to be elaborate rituals---simply eating around a table and having a conversation is beneficial to a child's social, emotional, and language development.
Not that the elaborate rituals aren't fun! I know several families who began the tradition of "Elf on the Shelf" for their kids. Some families pick a special birthday number to have a big party. Some have a special vacation spot they visit every year. The what isn't as important as the fact that it takes place. And the fact that your kids can say to their kids, "When I was little we always..." And hopefully, they will believe in the importance of having traditions when they have families of their own.
Take a few minutes and talk to your kids. See if they can come up with something they feel is a "tradition" in your house. You might be surprised to find out that it is not what you think your "traditions" are at all! It may open up a whole new list of ideas and topics for you as a family. I remember reading a statement someone made once that said something like, "Our family history is only one generation away from being lost forever."
Of course, some of the most important traditions you give to your children come from the faith you have as a family. A belief in and a relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing you can pass on to your children. This faith goes beyond simple tradition into the realm of the eternal. Pray with and for your kids. Read the Scriptures to them. Try to make this an everyday occurrence. This is one "tradition" you can't afford to ignore in your family. In fact, we are commanded by God to do so in Deuteronomy 6:6-7. "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart; And thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children, and thou shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." That pretty much covers the whole day. Your kids will be exposed to enough of everything else through the rest of their lives; it is up to you as a parent to make sure they have a strong foundation on which to build the rest of their lives. One website makes this as easy as pressing "Play." "Keys for Kids" gives a Scripture and devotional every day that is on point for kids and what they are facing in their lives. They have made it very convenient to receive through email, online, or in the mail. Family dinner may be the perfect time to have family devotions. Or you may want to have them just before the kids head to bed.
So, as we are looking to a new year and enjoying some of our Christmas traditions as a family, I hope you take some time to reflect on the importance of these traditions and how they help build a strong family. And maybe 2016 can be the year you begin some new traditions in your family. Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
