Create New Family Traditions

How to create new family traditions. Traditions aren't just a holiday thing. You create traditions every day - they're anything that you do regularly as a family. 

Family traditions are more than just routines-they're a testament to the unity and togetherness of your family.

Whether it's having supper together, your place at the table, big Sunday breakfasts, inside jokes, family vacations, favorite dishes, car songs, or birthday celebrations, these traditions bind you together.

Even bedtime routines are a symbol of your family's unique bond. To create new family traditions, think about what your family likes to do together. Then, assign a specific time or day for them. The anticipation is part of the fun. 

How To Create New Family Traditions

I've always wanted my three children to be exposed to myriad backgrounds, so we did what many families and friends do during the holiday season.

We blended the best of our favorite rituals and created new ones with our nearest and dearest.

When we celebrate Hanukkah, people light candles, say prayers, and receive a small gift on each of the eight days of the festival. 

We put up a tree, and Santa comes. We open one present on Christmas Eve; the rest are on Christmas morning. And the new ones? 

We always have a tree decorating party with another family. And we spend Christmas Eve day at Disneyland.

To Create New Family Traditions Change It Up

Some rituals must change with the times and circumstances. One of our own - our most loved - was hosting a family New Year's Eve party each year.

We started it because New Year's Eve - usually a grown-ups-only night out - seemed odd without the children around to ring in the new year. So, we invited other families in our neighborhood over for a New Year's Eve party. 

Create New Family Traditions Slowly

Some family members (namely kids) are suspicious of anything new. My friend Kimberli said her boys don't mind her making anything she likes for Thanksgiving dinner - as long as she makes all the old favorites, too.

When trying out a new tradition, don't make a big fuss about it - nor try to force it.

The one surefire way to turn off kids - especially teens - is to make a big announcement: "From now on, this family is always doing X on Y day. And everyone is required to be there!"

Yes, attendance is required at some family traditions. Birthdays, Christmas Eve, and Thanksgiving come to mind.

But no one has fun if someone is sulking because they want to be doing something else. Choose your battles.

For Christmas, for example, designate just a few mandatory events for everyone in the family (whether they have a driver's license or not). And designate even fewer that are family only - no friends, boyfriends, or lonely neighbors.

For the rest, get together with the kids who want to do it and have fun. Maybe John will notice how much fun he's missing and join everyone next year. Or not. 

But don't let him spoil it for the rest of the family: the more voluntary participation, the more successful the event will be, and the more enjoyable your new family traditions will become.