Spending time together as a family and having healthy human connections significantly benefits our overall wellness and social well-being. However, it isn't easy to gather everyone and spend time together doing shared activities as everyone is busy with work and studies. One of the best ways to reconnect with your family is through family traditions.
What are family traditions?
A family tradition is an activity or pattern of behaviour that displays a family's values, interests, or beliefs. Once a tradition is established, it will usually (and hopefully) be passed down through generations. It represents your specific family unit and your own family culture. But, a tradition can also be created in a friendship group or chosen family by doing things that resonate with them.
Anyone who comes from a home that upholds and celebrates family traditions can agree to the formidable impact of bonding these traditions give. It's a quality moment that everybody in the family commits to spending time together.
Why are family traditions important?
- Creates a sense of comfort and security — In this fast-paced and chaotic day and age, establishing a family tradition helps create a sense of rhythm and order. Despite everybody's packed schedules, setting some time aside for family is incredibly important for nurturing connections.
- Gives a reason for the family to gather — You shouldn't need a reason to spend time with your family. But, sticking to a date is usually necessary for the coordination of everyone's time. A family tradition promotes respect and commitment. Often these celebrations give family members something to look forward to.
- Promotes good family dynamics — Every family member leads vastly different lifestyles from one another. Having family celebrations allows you to set aside differences by bonding over a shared family experience.
- Gives family members a sense of belonging — Traditions foster a family identity that gives each member a sense of personal pride and belonging. Healthy family connections serve as a safe space where you have a base of emotional support to return to throughout your lifetime.
- Keep cultural or religious traditions alive — In some cases, family traditions are intertwined with religious or cultural holidays. This gives the perfect opportunity for you to reconnect with your roots and strengthen your spiritual wellness.
Family tradition ideas
If you plan to start a tradition with your family this festive season, here are some ideas that you can consider.
- Make handcrafted gifts for Christmas — it's more personal!
- Have a movie night — cuddle up and watch classic Christmas movies together
- Cook family recipes — cooking and sharing family recipes is a brilliant way to keep your family's culture going
- Game night — gather around the dinner table and play your favourite board or card games for some healthy family competition
- Decoration days — Come together to set up decorations for the festivity. Fill up the stockings, hang up ornaments on the Christmas tree as well as build a gingerbread house
