Holiday traditions can bring families closer
- Melinda Hill, OSU Extension Wayne County
- December 20, 2024
- 232
It’s really hard for me to believe the year is almost over. The decorations are up, the gifts are bought, and plans are made for gathering with friends and family.
Last weekend I had the privilege of attending the candlelight walk in my hometown of Granville. The luminaires lined the street, and decorated wagons pulled by Clydesdales carried festive participants up and down the main street. Many vendors braved the cold to offer tantalizing treats as crowds passed by on the way to one of the church concerts.
This is an event I look forward to every year, and it really kick-starts the season for me. It’s a tradition I enjoy with family to savor the sounds of carols and the smell of hot chocolate. I hope you have some events you are looking forward to this season so it’s not all about the gifts, but the experiences to create memories.
The family traditions we practice don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. It’s the time we spend mindfully together — no phones or distractions but time talking, laughing and working together. Traditions help us build commitment to each other and share our unconditional love.
Why do we need traditions and rituals? In an article written by Denise Witmer, she suggests the following five reasons to observe family traditions:
—Family traditions create good feelings and special moments to remember.
—Family traditions give every member of the family a stronger sense of belonging.
—Family traditions help youth with their identity.
—Family traditions help parents impart the family’s values to their children.
—Family traditions offer youth a sense of security.
Families who build on traditions or create new celebrations and routines increase their enjoyment of life together and capacity for coping with unexpected challenges. Maybe your traditions for the holidays have been taking a drive to look at the lights, ringing the bells, giving to others or going caroling with your favorite group. As you recognize the traditions and rituals in your family, take time to also recognize the strength you gain from them. They make your family unique and provide understanding, continuity, closeness and appreciation for one another.
Dr. Susan Coady of the Ohio State University (www.genealogy.com/articles) suggests the following:
—Traditions start easily: When you have children and you do something more than once, you’re going to do it again because children come to expect it.
—There are no limits to what a tradition can be. Many tend to revolve around the holidays, but everyday routines are often your family traditions too. It may be a tradition if there is disappointment when it doesn’t happen.
—Traditions are family-specific. Everyone celebrates holidays differently.
—Traditions can change with your family needs. Let go of some and make new ones as children grow and change.
Making some of your gifts can be a fun family tradition if you enjoy being in the kitchen. When children participate in helping to make the gifts, they feel important and needed, along with seeing the joy in giving not just receiving. The kitchen also is a great way to use math, reading and science skills. Pick your recipes and make sure you allow time for setup, preparation and cleanup.
When you are ready to package them, remember the following:
—Include the recipe with your gift so the receiver can make sure the ingredients are nothing they may be allergic to. Along with that, make sure the rest of the directions are available if it’s a cookie or soup mix for them to prepare.
—Include the date you package it so they can make sure to use it in a timely manner.
—Package the food in a food-safe container, glass, tin or items that can be used afterward. It’s best not to use plastic items that are single-use, like lunchmeat containers or margarine tubs. These are not designed to be more than a one-time use.
—Think about natural companions to go along with the food gift. A cookie sheet and spatula may go along with a jar of cookie mix, crackers with the soup mix, or a mug with the hot chocolate mix.
A final reminder is to take care of yourselves. It’s OK to prioritize the things that have to get done and to leave the rest. Ask the family members to help with the list and give yourself permission to cut back and not feel guilty. Getting enough sleep, eating right and not stressing out will make the season more enjoyable for everyone.
Remember we are not responsible for everyone else’s happiness or expectations. It is important to talk about those, but happiness comes from within. This season make a promise to yourself and your family to focus on the blessings you have and the joy you may bring to others.
Melinda Hill is an OSU Extension family and consumer sciences educator and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or hill.14@osu.edu.