What's the Deal with Traditions?

Family traditions are important. They give us something to hold on to. They give children a sense of place -- a home base. When a family builds their activities around their own traditions they are saying this is important to us. Traditions say to your children, that we have things in our family that we want to pass on to the next generation. Sometimes it is a relief when there is a certain way of doing something. When you have a tradition, it's not necessary to decide every single action  or to have to work to plan every single activity. Those decisions and that work have already been done. Traditions give us a certain pattern and routine to follow. What are some traditions that are important to your family? Maybe it is a certain way that you do your summer vacation or a holiday, like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Or you may have a particular ritual or activity that you do together as a family every Saturday morning. Dad may get donuts for the family or you all put together a special pancake breakfast. Whatever it is, know that your kids really do enjoy, cherish and look forward to your family's traditions. Traditions act as a ceremony or a marker that tells your children this is WHO WE ARE. These traditional family activities let your children know that "Our family is special and this is what we do together." In our rapidly changing, fast-paced world, traditions and rituals hold families together and give children stability and a true sense of family security. Just as a regular Sunday dinner together after church can become special, traditions can give your family a reason to be together. And that is a tradition that will last.