Traditions have a way of binding a family together. They do not have to be elaborate, just something simple to build closeness with each other. A tradition could be a holiday ritual, a commemorative rite of passage, or weekend sleepovers with grandparents. They bring stability, adventure, comfort, and a sense of belonging.
Most happy families have specific, maybe quirky, rituals that the family counts on for emotional comfort. These rituals or traditions may be adapted as time passes to meet the needs of a changing culture and family dynamic.
“Webster’s definition of tradition is as follows: “The body of customs, thoughts, practices, etc., belonging to a particular family, and handed down from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth, over a relatively long period.”
Traditions are important in the memory making for families. Should God be a part of our traditions? Of course, but God should fill a space in your daily life, not just on certain occasions.
Memory Making with a Purpose
Why do we want to make memories or keep traditions? As a parent, we all desire our children to grow up in a loving environment and for them to have wonderful memories of their childhood.
One of the ways we show our love to children is to be good role models for them. If your goal is to help your children build a relationship with Jesus Christ or to grow in their faith, you need to be in a dynamic and vibrant relationship with Jesus. If you want your kids to obey God, then let them observe your obedient lifestyle.
One of my favorite Bible verses is, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Demonstrate the way to your children and God gives you a promise. That is a pretty good deal! Claim your children, make memories, and God will come through for your family.”
–Excerpt from “Memory Makers for the Family” by Cindy Sanders used by permission (p. ix).
As a child all I wanted to become was a wife and a mother. As a mother of two married children and grandmother of four precious granddaughters my dream has come true. Of course things are not always perfect but making memories and traditions have helped bring our family together.
In many situations moms are filled with guilt about working outside the home, meals and housekeeping, not to mention the relationships within the family. Taking time to have fun and laugh together can make all the difference in the atmosphere of a home.
Everyday moments can become teachable or lost. They can also show love or make a child feel unsure. It is critical to make the most of the time we have. This Mother’s Day make a commitment to slow down, make memories and create unforgettable moments. Memories last a lifetime.
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“Memory Makers for the Family” is a new book by Cindy Sanders which offers activities, crafts, recipes and everyday traditions based on the Bible, all designed for adjustment according to the age of the children and the family situation. From dessert recipes and games to special blessings and prayers, the book combines faith and fun in ways that help families create treasured traditions that will last for generations.
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