"Sometimes we need a little help to make the special effort to treasure the time we have together — whether it has to do with dinnertime conversation, starting the family scrapbook, or finding new ways to say I love you. Don't wait to get started — making memories, keeping in touch, or finding grace and celebration in what you've been doing all along."

For more ideas, visit Family Fun.

Posted by Susan at 12/29/2003 10:31:58 AM | Link

 
The Mpls Star Tribune asked readers to share their holiday traditions. Nearly 80 responded. Here is a sampling:

"In an effort to help our school-age children focus on giving rather than receiving, we began the tradition of writing love notes. Each person wrote a note to each family member and put it in their stocking. On Christmas morning, the first things to be opened were the love notes. It became clear with time that the store-bought stuff paled in comparison to these precious gifts of love. We still do this, 20 years later, and have the added treasure of years of these hand-written (now, computer-generated) notes."

"Our favorite holiday tradition is driving around looking at Christmas lights, but it has the added element of a car picnic along the way. With paper plates and drinks in hand, we pick up a pizza and enjoy dinner while viewing the lights."

Posted by Susan at 12/20/2003 02:09:47 PM | Link

 
It is easy during this holiday season to appreciate and recognize traditions. While it's sometimes necessary to change certain aspects of family traditions as children grow, most teens get a warm sense of belonging from the familiar rituals of their youth. Traditions and rituals can be very comforting and often become more important as children head through adolescence and toward independence. Find an opportunity to get input from all family members. Ask everyone -- your kids, older relatives, and extended family members -- about their favorite family celebrations. Ask for new suggestions.

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. Start today, by realizing the daily things you do that make your family special. Realize that those "little things" done together are really memories in the making.

Posted by Susan at 12/14/2003 07:37:37 PM | Link

 
We've been having a technical problem with the Comments feature.

It now appears to be working.

Apologies for the hassle!

Posted by Griff at 12/07/2003 04:37:03 PM | Link

 
December is here and we find ourselves closer to our families, mostly thru our traditions and rituals. As Tevye says “Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as a Fiddler on The Roof”. For more information or ideas on creating a new family tradition, see the Links page. If you'd like to share your own family tradition with us, please click the Comments link at the end of this post or use the Contact Us form.

Posted by Susan at 12/03/2003 02:21:26 PM | Link