The holiday season is a time filled with love, joy, and cherished memories—and family traditions play a huge role in making it magical. Research has shown that traditions help children and their families promote emotional well-being, build a sense of identity, and strengthen family bonds. For parents of young children, now is the perfect time to start traditions that they’ll look forward to year after year.
Why Family Traditions Matter
Family traditions bring everyone together and create a special rhythm to the holiday season that children remember for a lifetime. Here’s how they benefit children:
- Fostering a Sense of Security: Young children thrive on predictability, and knowing that certain activities will happen gives them a sense of comfort and security.
- Building Family Bonds: Shared traditions strengthen family relationships by creating moments for togetherness, laughter, and love.
- Creating a Sense of Belonging and Identity: Holiday traditions connect children to their family history and help them understand where they come from, which is key to developing a strong sense of self.
- Promoting Positive Mental Health: Studies show that shared family rituals contribute to children’s happiness and emotional well-being, giving them a foundation of love and stability.
Getting Started: Simple, Meaningful Traditions
# 1. Holiday Story Time
Set aside one evening each week leading up to the holidays to read a holiday-themed book as a family. Create a cozy atmosphere with blankets and warm drinks, and let your child pick out a book to read together. This tradition encourages a love for reading and provides valuable bonding time.
- Create a holiday book collection that you bring out each year.
- Let each family member pick their favorite book to add to the holiday reading list.
# 2. Create a Family “Thankful Jar” or “Gratitude Chain”
In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, create a “Thankful Jar” or a paper “Gratitude Chain” where each family member writes something they’re thankful for on a slip of paper. Read these together on Thanksgiving Day or at the end of the season to reflect on the year’s blessings.
- Provide colorful paper strips or pre-decorated slips to make the jar more inviting.
- Share stories around each item in the jar for added meaning.
# 3. Baking Day
Set aside a day to bake holiday treats together. Young children can help with simple tasks like mixing ingredients, adding sprinkles, or using cookie cutters. This activity allows them to be involved and teaches them basic cooking skills. Plus, they’ll love tasting the results!
- Choose one or two easy recipes, such as sugar cookies or gingerbread, that you can make each year.
- Let each child have a special apron or cookie cutter to personalize the experience.
# 4. Family Movie Night
Pick one evening each holiday season to watch a family holiday movie together. Make it a special event with popcorn, cozy blankets, and your favorite holiday pajamas. You can even let your child choose the movie for that year. This tradition creates a low-key, bonding experience that children look forward to.
- Create a “holiday movie countdown” and mark the date on the calendar to build excitement.
- Consider movies that teach positive messages about kindness, generosity, and togetherness.
# 5. Decorate the Tree Together
Involve your child in decorating the holiday tree, even if it means the ornaments aren’t arranged “perfectly.” Let them pick out their favorite ornaments, or make an annual tradition of creating a new handmade ornament together. Young children love being part of the decorating process, and it helps them feel included in family traditions.
- Choose an ornament each year that represents a special memory or event.
- Make salt-dough ornaments or other simple crafts together, allowing them to be part of the tree’s story each year.
A Holiday Season to Remember
