Parenting Tips for Holiday Traditions
Posted by Neena on 11/13/08 in Just for Moms, Parenting Tips
Here we are on day two of the Momdot.com holiday blog party. And the question is what are our favorite family holiday traditions and what are some that we would like to begin.
Parenting Tips for Holiday Traditions
Well, if you read my day one entry for this holiday party - you will realize that we run a busy house - like so many others. As a result I tend to just plow through the urgent pile. Sadly the fun stuff like holiday traditions often ends up to be an afterthought. So I guess my answer to the first part of the question is that we really don’t have any one particular thing that we do year after year after year.
However, now that my youngest is in kindergarten, I do find that I have a wee bit more time to organize my mind and actually make a few plans. And starting a holiday tradition is something that I would really like to do. My neighbor is big on traditions (she likes to have fun and finds all kinds of random reasons to celebrate). Last year she started a tradition called “Feaster” - which is basically a second Thanksgiving dinner but more casual and relaxed. Her kids are already looking forward to the second annual Feaster, perhaps more than the original Thanksgiving. When I see the level of anticipation that her kids have, I feel that we are missing out on something by not having a family ritual.
But what should we do?
When it comes to holiday traditions, my parenting advice is to keep it simple and pick something that the whole family enjoys doing.
Keeping it simple is key. If we something labor intensive like making gingerbread cookies, or preparing a big meal - then the tradition gets broken if we don’t feel like putting in the effort one year. But going somewhere might be an option. Going into the city is something that we all enjoy and picking one winter weekend to head in and see the tree and the shop windows, and have dinner out, may be an experience that we will look forward to year in and out. Perhaps that trip will be the one that sticks.
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Tena | Nov 13, 2008 | Reply
I totally agree with you on keeping things simple! Great post
CompleteLee Blogger | Nov 13, 2008 | Reply
True, we should keep things simple. But, if you want to make a tradition of making gingerbread houses, then why not follow that tradition with a tradition of eating canned chicken noodle soup and toast for dinner instead of having to worry about fixing a meal?
You have to do what works best for your own family. To me a yearly trip sounds like a lot of work. That would be hard for me to keep up. It would be fun, though.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Cat @ 3KidsnUs | Nov 13, 2008 | Reply
I like the Feaster idea. For us it would be like a night of leftovers.
Tracye | Nov 13, 2008 | Reply
I like having traditions of our own, but we don’t go overboard. We don’t do anything that we won’t want to do for the next 20 or so years!
Staci A | Nov 13, 2008 | Reply
All of our traditions are small, and take very little time or effort. I think it’s the little things that make the holidays so enjoyable.
Neena | Nov 13, 2008 | Reply
@ Tena - I love it simple. If it gets too complicated the kids lose interest and move on while I am left to finish the project!
@ CompleteLee Blogger - It all comes down to whether you enjoy it too. I spend so much time in the kitchen on a daily basis that I would love a tradition away from the kitchen - that involves no clean up!
A trip, on the other hand does involve planning - but I am talking about a day trip, nothing longer than that.
Neena | Nov 13, 2008 | Reply
@ Cat - Just the idea of Feaster is fun. Who would have thought of that? If anyone needs an excuse to celebrate, my neighbor is the one to consult with!
Neena | Nov 13, 2008 | Reply
@ Tracye - I guess that as the kids get older the traditions can evolve as well. But I do like simple!
Neena | Nov 13, 2008 | Reply
@ Staci - I like your train of thought - that is exactly where I am at!
My Precious Pennies | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
I like that…keep things simple! Traditions are important, but christmas is crazy enough without elaborate traditions!
Amy | Nov 18, 2008 | Reply
Hi Neena,
As you search for fun holiday traditions, I thought you might be interested in learning about the National Day of Listening. StoryCorps, one of the largest oral history projects of its kind, is launching the first-ever National Day of Listening on the day after Thanksgiving, November 28, 2008. This new tradition is an effort to encourage Americans to linger in the holiday spirit and record a meaningful conversation to preserve for years to come.
The do-it-yourself nature of the holiday makes it easy for families and children to participate. It takes only an hour to record a conversation, using materials already available in most homes - from video cameras to tape recorders to computers or even pen and paper. The National Day of Listening Website, at http://www.nationaldayoflistening.org, contains more information as well as an easy-to-use step-by-step guide to preparing for the interview.
We hope you will consider participating! If you are interested in learning more about the StoryCorps project, Dave Isay, the founder of StoryCorps will be at the Westport Public Library on Thursday, November 20 for a book reading of StoryCorps’ book, “Listening Is An Act of Love.”
Best wishes,
Amy Weinfurter
Communications Project Assistant
StoryCorps
Full Time Mom | Nov 27, 2008 | Reply
Preparing for the holidays can be demanding especially with young kids. I guess it helps to keep things simple. The good part is, kids will always appreciate our efforts no matter how big or small. Happy holidays!