A Year of Traditions, Part 2

We will soon be reaching the midpoint of the year, which may have you reflecting both on the six months that have passed and the six that are yet to come. In January, we wrote a post about the importance of family traditions and their role in giving children a sense of comfort, security, and belonging. 

In short, family traditions offer an opportunity for loved ones to strengthen the bonds between them. Moreover, they give children a constant to look forward to even as they grow and their lives change in other ways. 

Creating a Year of Traditions: The Second Six Months

We hope you have had a wonderful start to 2023 creating new memories as a family while laying the foundation for traditions that will last for years to come. Below, we’re providing some ideas for building traditions throughout the latter half of the year. 

Whether you follow this blueprint or use it to spark inspiration and customize it to what makes your family unique, you’re in for a wealth of fun and memories that stand the test of time.

July: Have a Special Fourth of July

With so many fun activities scheduled throughout your community for the Fourth of July, why not make one of them a family tradition? You can go to the same location to watch the fireworks each year, attend a nearby parade, or simply make time for something fun in the backyard, such as cooking out and using sparklers. There are plenty of ways to celebrate this historic holiday, but choosing one that your family can do year after year will make the celebration particularly memorable.

August: Try Something New

Make August the month your family decides to try something new each year. This could be preparing breakfast from a different country, picnicking in a new park, going to a drive-in movie, or scheduling a play-date with a new friend. 

By choosing the activity as a family at the beginning of the month and putting it on the calendar, you can make an adventure of trying new things together and encourage your children to get out of their comfort zone in a way that helps them grow.

September: Go Apple Picking

Going apple picking is such a rewarding activity because the fun doesn’t stop when you leave the orchard. You’ll return home with a ton of apples that you can use in a family favorite or new recipe. From making applesauce to baking an apple pie or jarring apple butter, these seasonal treats always taste best at this time of year. Plus, apple picking offers a great opportunity for young children to learn how things grow and how the food they eat is harvested. 

October: Light a Bonfire

As the weather cools down and Halloween approaches, a bonfire will provide a beautiful backdrop for making memories as a family. Make this the moment of the year when everyone can look forward to roasting marshmallows, preparing smores, and telling spooky stories around the fire. Not into the scary stuff? Have the musician in your family bring out their instrument of choice for some campfire songs, or sing your favorites acapella! 

November: Recognize the Veterans in Your Family

Many of us have veterans in our families whose experiences and sacrifices go unrecognized throughout the majority of the year. With Veterans Day on November 11, why not have this month’s tradition revolve around reconnecting with these family members? 

If a visit is feasible, consider taking the family on a road trip to spend time with one of these relatives. If not, a phone call surely won’t go unappreciated. While some may be eager to share their story of service, others may want to focus on the present in these conversations. As a further thank you, have your children follow up with a handmade card. 

December: Write a Letter Month

In this day and age, receiving snail mail from a loved one can be a real treat. With all the modern conveniences of communication available to us, a handwritten letter now seems to come straight from the heart. When so much of December revolves around buying gifts, making letter writing your family’s December tradition can be a real reminder that some of the most meaningful gifts actually can’t be bought (and others only cost $0.63 – the price of a postage stamp!). 

The destination of these letters may change throughout the years, whether your children want to write to a family member, a friend, or even a stranger through organizations such as Love For Our Elders or Operation Gratitude. No matter who they write to, the joy that comes with dropping that stamped envelope into a mailbox will never get old!

Whether you started off the year with our tradition suggestions or are just now coming across this idea, remember that it’s never the wrong time to start building traditions as a family! We wish you a wonderful second half of the year full of memories and excitement for what is to come.