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 During the holidays, families often have certain things we always do-traditions. Most families probably have traditions that take place throughout the year, but holiday traditions seem to stick in our memories. Research shows that these traditions are important in building strong relationships between generations.
Traditions are stories, beliefs, rituals and customs that are passed from one generation to the next. Keeping traditions helps to fill one’s need to belong. Being a part of the special things our family does, helps us to have that sense of belonging.
Research shows that routines and traditions are part of healthy families. Traditions give security to young people, providing a sense of continuity and routine that they can depend on year after year. Such activities help promote healthy relationships between the generations when they are enoyed and anticipated by everyone. Children will remember special experiences of family traditions more than toys and gifts.
To make family traditions more memorable, take the time to talk about the special things your family dos, and why it is important to you. Include children in planning and carrying out special activities. Having a part in the tradition will give them a feeling of pride and belonging. It also helps them to understand why the family does these special things. If traditions are part of your religious or cultural heritage, it gives young people a sense of their family history.
Sometimes, as our families change, our traditions change with us, and that is all right. For example, you can still have the family all get together for a time of sharing and a special meal but the place or the menu might change over the years. Perhaps now you use disposable dishes instead of grandma’s china. The important thing is that you get together as a family to share memories and pass on family traditions and values.
With the current concern of childhood obesity, the holiday season is a good opportunity to look at your family traditions. Do your traditions encourage physical healthy? If not, consider adapting old traditions or starting new ones that encourage healthy lifestyles.
Many family traditions encourage overeating. If so, you don’t have to give those favorite foods up, look for ways to adapt the recipe or make healthy choice substituions. Here are some ideas to consider:
• Use lower fat alternatives for heavy cream sauces.
• Let the children help prepare fruit and vegetable relish trays or garnishes. They are more likely to eat what they help prepare.
• Have plates of fresh vegetables or fruits available for snacking rather than just sweets.
• Have fun with the children creating table decorations made from fruits and vegetables – such as turkeys made from apples. Check with your library or on in the Inernet for creative ideas.
• Serve smaller portions. Be a good role model by overloading your own plate.
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