As an adult, it is the family rituals that I hold dear in my memory; the certain foods that were cooked each holiday, the opera music played every Sunday, the walks to feed the ducks when my grandparents came. Now I have my own family, and whether consciously or not, have created my own rituals which I know my children will cherish. And, I strongly advise to not let silence or complaints or rolled eyes of your children stop you! Trust me when I say despite any protest, the gain is immeasurable.
- Light a candle wherever you eat your morning meal
- Have each family member name the best and worst moments of their day
- Have each family member say one thing they are grateful for each day
- Each holiday season, resolve to do something together as a family which involves giving to others -whether it is shoveling an elderly neighbors driveway, making a meal for a less fortunate family, or volunteering at the local Salvation Army or Meals on Wheels
- Create a weekly or monthly family game night - and keep it sacred!
- Depending on where you live, plan a yearly fruit picking outing (berries, apples) and make pies or jam together.
- Buy or make inspiration cards - and choose one each morning. It can be as simple as one word - such as gratitude, joy, friendship, or trust.
- Learn how to make something together- soap, candles, bath salts, herbal lotion, sachets, and make this your family specialty for a yearly gift making activity.
- Have a yearly family yard sale - set a day or two together to clean out and price all your unused items, bake cookies and make lemonade and put the money in a family vacation pot
- Start a family scrapbook together - in it you may write down the accomplishments of that year for each family member, your New Years resolutions and goals, pictures and milestones - such as first steps, the day a pet comes into the house, start of allowances, what the children's chores are and whatever your family deems important
Come up with your own rituals - it doesn't so much matter what you do, as long as you do it!
