Tradition!

Does anyone else have the song “Tradition” from Fiddler on the Roof jump in their head when you hear that word? It plays in mine…and let’s be real I also start belting it out! Every year this happens and probably drives my husband a little crazy but that is what ear plugs are for and the fact that we embrace our loved ones for who they are but, in all seriousness, traditions are a big part of our lives. Each culture, family, and organization has their own traditions. In my family, traditions can really be seen during the holidays.

As the holiday season is upon us I like to reflect on the past year and all that has happened. There are things I sing praises about and give great thanks, and other events that happened I would like to learn from, move on, and even forget. For my family the holidays ebb and flow between rushed times and times we can just be together. As I write this article I am reflecting on what our family traditions are. What traditions will hold steady and what will change this year from last year as our family has grown.

Thankful.

One Thanksgiving tradition we have is saying what we are thankful for this past year. We go around the table and share. I like to take this a step further and write down 3 things to help myself reflect at a deeper level.

What am I thankful for this past year?
What is something I want to learn from this past year?
What am I looking forward to this coming year?

Each year these questions remind me how blessed I am with my life and those who are part of it. The first question usually has the most answers, and I feel this year will be no different as my family has grown with the addition of a little girl, I was able to meet my nephew, my older kids are growing and bringing joy each day, my work is fulfilling and challenging, my husband both supports and challenges me (in a good way), and we have a home with food on the table. Take a little time. What are you thankful for this last year?

Prayers.

Along with Thanksgiving, I’m also gearing up for Christmas. My family is at a stage in life where we are working on establishing traditions for our young children. A key tradition we are working on is sharing the story of Jesus and what the Christmas season means outside of the tangible gifts. To do this, we are focusing on saying prayers with our kids each day. Our prayer time centers around what we are thankful for that day, who we would like to pray for, and anything else a five- and three-year-old throws out there! We currently fluctuate between doing prayers at dinner and prayers at bedtime. This summer the Sacred Playgrounds team learned that only 59% of respondents reported saying grace at mealtimes weekly or more, while 16% never said mealtime prayers. Only 47% of parents reported praying with their children other than mealtimes at least weekly, while 23% said they never do this. These numbers are derived from the 2,600 parent survey responses representing 28 different camps in multiple Christian traditions this past summer. Looking at these numbers is eye-opening as to how little prayer is done in the home as it is a common tradition and a key part of worship services. These numbers make me wonder what family traditions exist in your home. Are you a family that prays together each day? Week? Month? Does your family talk about the Bible or the Christian meaning of Christmas? What are your faith traditions during the holidays?

Your Turn.

Traditions during the holiday season, and really throughout the year, can ebb and flow. They adapt to our season of life. As my family is establishing our own traditions we want to be part of that 59% saying prayers at mealtimes and the 47% that will pray with their children at other times. We want to instill healthy traditions in our children that are welcoming to others and show Jesus’ love during the holiday season. As you enter into this holiday season, think about your family traditions. I’d love to hear some of yours in the comments. Pick one or more and type them up for the good of other readers!

• What is your favorite tradition?

• What is something you are giving thanks for?

• What is something you would like to learn from and move on?

• What tradition would you like to share with others?