As Charlie gets older each year and things change in our home as he looks for work family traditions change and I’ve been reminded #familytraditions are about more than holidays, birthdays, or special occasions. They are about the little moments we share, the memories we create, and the time we spend together.
As parents I know I sometimes get so caught up in everyday responsibilities that I forget how quickly our children grow up. One day, were taking pictures of their first day of school, and before we know it, were celebrating their graduation and watching them begin a new chapter in life. Or were watching them struggle with living at home paying bills and trying to decide to remain at home or move out.
As a parent with Charlie the years seem to have flown by, but the memories we created as a family can last a lifetime. This is why family traditions give children something to look forward to, help strengthen family bonds, and create stories we can share for generations.
For my family the best part is that traditions do not have to be expensive, elaborate, or time-consuming. Sometimes, the simplest moments become the most meaningful. Whether your children are young, teenagers, or grown adults, it is never too late to start a family tradition.
One of the easiest ways to preserve family memories is by taking pictures throughout the year. As much as you may hate taking photos make sure you get in them too because one day you will appreciate that photo more than you know. One thing I wanted to remind you is you do not need a professional photographer or an elaborate photo shoot. Some of the sweetest pictures happen naturally during everyday life.
Consider starting traditions such as:
- Taking a family picture on the first day of school.
- Capturing a picture at the front door before a special outing.
- Taking an annual family photo during the holidays.
- Photographing birthdays and other milestones.
- Taking silly pictures together just for fun.
- Take photos of you and your pets together because they will not always be here.
Over the years, looking back at those pictures and seeing how everyone has grown can become a treasured family experience. You can even create an annual photo album that allows everyone to look back at the memories you have made together. I wish I had done more photos with both Charlie and Suzzane.
Anothing thing I would like to remind you of is family traditions do not have to be reserved for special occasions. A simple breakfast together can become something everyone looks forward to. You might prepare pancakes, a favorite breakfast casserole, muffins, fresh fruit, or a special drink.
Consider having a monthly family breakfast where everyone puts away their phones, sits around the table, and enjoys time together. You could also make a special breakfast for the first day of school, birthdays, holidays, or whenever your family needs a little extra time together. It is not about what is served. It is about making time to sit together, talk, laugh, and enjoy one anothers company.
When Charlie was little I used to leave handwritten notes for him which is a simple way to remind someone how much they are loved. When children are young, tuck a note into their backpack or lunchbox. As they grow older, leave encouraging messages on their bedroom door, beside their breakfast, or somewhere they will find them throughout the day. I’ve placed them in the shower and also in Charlie’s car.
Your notes might say:
- I love you!
- I believe in you.
- Remember to be kind.
- You are capable of wonderful things.
- I am proud of you.
- Have a wonderful day!
These small reminders can mean so much, especially when someone is having a difficult day. Even when children become adults, a handwritten card or unexpected note can remind them that they will always have a place in the family. When your at the store and find cars or pretty paper on sale pick them up to make the notes more special.
Gathering around the dinner table is a wonderful way to create a family tradition. Life can get busy with school, work, activities, and other responsibilities, but making time to share a meal gives everyone an opportunity to reconnect. You do not have to prepare an elaborate dinner. Pizza, spaghetti, sandwiches, or everyone’s favorite homemade meal can make the evening special.
During dinner, ask questions such as:
- What was the best part of your day?
- What made you smile today?
- Did anything surprise you?
- Is there anything you are looking forward to?
- Is there someone we can pray for or help this week?
Encourage everyone to share, listen, and enjoy the conversation. Remind them there is no, electronics allowed at the dinner table. As children grow older and eventually leave home, these shared meals can become some of the memories they cherish most and will share with there families.
Family traditions can also teach children important lessons about kindness, generosity, and gratitude. One meaningful tradition is finding ways to help other families throughout the year. Children outgrow clothing, backpacks, toys, and school supplies.Just as adults outgrow things as well. Instead of letting everything sit unused, consider donating items that are still in good condition to families who could use them.
You can also:
- Put together care packages for people in need.
- Donate toys and books to local organizations.
- Make cards for nursing home residents.
- Volunteer together at a community event.
- Help a neighbor who could use an extra hand.
These activities show children that giving does not have to involve spending money. Sometimes, giving your time, sharing what you have, or simply showing kindness can make a difference. Making generosity a family tradition helps children understand the importance of caring for others.
Every family has special moments worth remembering, and a memory box is a wonderful way to preserve them. Choose a box for each child or create one for the entire family. Throughout the year, save little treasures that tell the story of your family’s journey. I have one for both Charlie and Suzzane and also one for David and I because I keep things we’ve done as a couple in my box. As well as photos of Sandy my dog who has gone on to Heaven.
You might include:
- Artwork and favorite school assignments.
- Report cards and certificates.
- School pictures.
- Birthday cards and handwritten notes.
- Programs from school performances or special events.
- Souvenirs from family outings and vacations.
You can add to the box throughout the year and open it together during a special family gathering. Looking through those keepsakes can bring back wonderful memories, spark conversations, and remind everyone of how much they have experienced together.
Sometimes, we wait for birthdays, holidays, graduations, and other big milestones to celebrate our families. But there are plenty of little things worth celebrating, too. Because tomorrow isn’t promised and sometimes people are gone in the blink of an eye like Suzzane who was fine that morning and gone that afternoon.
You might celebrate a child’s first day at a new activity, finishing a difficult assignment, learning a new skill, or simply making it through a challenging week. You could have a family movie night, enjoy homemade cookies, play a favorite board game, or take a special trip for ice cream. Celebrating the little things teaches children that their efforts, accomplishments, and everyday experiences matter. These simple celebrations can become traditions that everyone looks forward to sharing.
When Charlie and Suzzane was little a family game night was a fun way to spend time together without worrying about complicated plans or expensive outings. Choose board games, card games, puzzles, trivia, or video games that everyone can enjoy. You can make it a weekly or monthly tradition, allowing each family member to take turns choosing the activity.
Do not worry about who wins. The laughter, friendly competition, funny moments, and time spent together are what make the experience special. As children grow older, you may discover that family game nights become a tradition they want to continue even when they are adults.
For families whose lives are centered around faith, creating traditions around prayer, Scripture, and gratitude can be especially meaningful. You might begin the day with a short prayer, read a Bible story together, or take a few moments at dinner to share something everyone is thankful for.
Other ideas include:
- Reading a Bible verse together each week.
- Praying together before bedtime.
- Attending church as a family.
- Creating a family gratitude journal.
- Finding ways to serve others through your faith community.
These traditions provide opportunities to talk about faith, kindness, forgiveness, and the values you want to pass along to your children. The most important part is making these moments sincere and meaningful for your family. Holidays provide wonderful opportunities to create traditions that children will remember long after they have grown up. You do not have to spend a lot of money to make a holiday special. Many of the most treasured traditions involve simple activities that bring everyone together.
Some ideas include:
- Decorating the Christmas tree while listening to favorite holiday music.
- Baking cookies together and sharing them with neighbors.
- Carving pumpkins or decorating for Halloween.
- Preparing a favorite family recipe for Thanksgiving.
- Watching a favorite holiday movie together.
- Making handmade gifts or holiday cards.
You can also create traditions that honor family members who are no longer with you, keeping their memories and stories alive for future generations. Over time, these special activities become part of your family’s story. Family traditions do not have to end when children become teenagers or move out on their own.
As children grow older, traditions may change to fit their interests, schedules, and stages of life. You might continue family dinners, plan an annual outing, celebrate birthdays together, or set aside time for a family vacation. Even grown children can enjoy returning home for familiar traditions, sharing old stories, and creating new memories with parents, siblings, and grandparents. It is also important to let children contribute their own ideas. A tradition that everyone helps create is more likely to remain meaningful as the family changes.
I wanted to remind you that you do not need to have started family traditions when your children were little to make a difference today. Whether your children are toddlers, teenagers, or adults, there is always an opportunity to create meaningful moments together.
A family picture, a shared meal, a handwritten note, a prayer, or an afternoon spent playing games may seem like a small thing at the time. But those are often the moments that become treasured memories. As parents, we cannot slow down time, but we can be intentional about how we spend it.
The traditions we create today can become the stories our children share with their own families tomorrow. At Greatful Moments, we believe that the greatest gifts we can give our families are love, encouragement, faith, and the memories we create together. Which is how I remain grateful, thankful and blessed as I work to keep the circle unbroken.
Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
