Family Traditions: New and Old

This time of year always has me thinking about family traditions and how important they can be to keeping a family together.  It doesn't matter whether this is an old tradition or a brand new one that you are starting with your family.  Some of the traditions that my parents passed down to me are:  giving me a santa every year, giving me an ornament every year, putting up the tree together and baking cookies as a family.  I have passed these traditions on to my children and added a few to the list.  Our list includes: Sunday dinner with games, volunteering and fundraising for a good cause and all family members making something for the holiday meal.  What would our Holiday be like without Gary's broccoli casserole, Chris's mac and cheese, and Jenna's apple pie? 

 You might waant to include some extended family members as well.  A few years ago, I started giving my niece a Santa at Christmas time as well.  I knew that my brother was not passing on this tradition to her.  When she opened her Santa this year, she got very excited.  I was thrilled to hear that she places the Santas on her mantel each year.  It's good to know that this tradition will live on.  I think that my Mother likes the idea that something she started is going to continue on after she is gone.

My niece started a family tradition of her own this year.  We built our first family gingerbread village (a pre-made kit works best for us).  Putting it together was great fun and destroying it was equally as fun.  Posted the pictures on Facebook of the destruction.  Looking forward to helping with next year's village, Kate.

Start a new tradition this year or find one from your past that you can continue with your children.  It may just bring your family even closer together and build some priceless memories.

Amazing and FREE Shows to Share with Your Children

In a world filled with gadgets and technology, don't forget that mother nature can provide some pretty amazing entertainment for the family.  This year has a number of spectacular to behold events in store for us.  Eclipses, meteor showers, planets and comets will all be available to view throughout the year.  So put away those gadgets, get away from the city lights and enjoy some unmatched family time.

Note:  If you can't leave the technology behind, don't forget that many phones and pads are equipped with a star gazing app that can add to the fun.