In this season of friends, family, fun and parties, it can be hard to think gratefully. So, what better time than this season of gratitude is there to start a family tradition of gratefulness?
The few weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s really do pass by in one big, festive blur. Before you spend another year just going through the motions, why not start a few family traditions you can always revisit.
Here are some family traditions to start now.
Giving Back
Many people think of charitable giving as a time to donate funds to causes and non-profits that speak to your family’s values and ideals. Even young children can take part in deciding where the family’s annual giving budget goes, and they’ll feel good knowing they helped someone in need.
Gratitude Jar
This is a family tradition that you can do all year. Grab a big jar and take turns putting in what you are grateful for every evening after dinner. At the end of the year, you’ll have so many blessings to count, that you’ll be amazed.
Pay it forward
Everyone loves to do random acts of kindness. And we’ve found that the more times you do something kind, the better you feel. These random acts can be as simple as offering a helping hand or buying coffee for someone behind you in line. You can also bake treats for a friend or rake your neighbor’s leaves. The point is, do something selflessly and let your children be a part of the process.
Memory Lane
One of the things you are probably most grateful for is the years of memories built up after time with friends and family. This year, start a family tradition of talking about those memories with your children and telling them how grateful you are to have made them. You can even get other family members involved during the annual feast.
Watch the same holiday movie every season
No matter if you’re a Miracle on 34th Street kind of family, a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer clan, or if the hilariously ridiculous National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is more your household’s speed, make a point to set aside a movie night to watch the same classic flick together. It will make for a blissfully nostalgic event.
Marvel at neighborhood lights displays
Every town has the street with the warring houses, each trying to outdo the other’s electric bill for the month of December. Take a walk with the whole family to see the brightly decorated homes in all their glory.
Give each child an annual ornament
Build your collection of ornaments – and turn tree decorating into an immensely personal experience – by giving each family member a new ornament to hang on the tree each year.
Record a year-in-review
Gone are the days of writing a three-page family newsletter chronicling the highlights of the past 365 days for your family. Instead, shoot a fun video that you can share on Facebook that reminisces about what you and your kids have been up to this year. Remember to keep it short.
Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
It might seem a bit cheesy to read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas on the night before Christmas, but there’s nothing more traditional or mood-setting.
Time
One of the best ways to be grateful and to honor this season is to simply spend time with loved ones. Slow down and savor the togetherness, while doing something as simple as playing a board game, watching a movie, or taking a walk outside.
At Williams Roofing Company, we hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season full of gratitude and blessings.