Families of all types come together during the holidays through old and new traditions.
Beth Bell, Mississippi State University Extension Service agent in Tallahatchie County, said there are plenty of activities to do with the family during the holiday season.
“One activity a family can do together is volunteer to cook a meal for those staying in Ronald McDonald housing while their children undergo cancer treatments,” she said. “The family can bake cookies or go look at Christmas lights and then come back home for spice tea or hot chocolate. Going to the movies or watching a favorite holiday movie is another activity that families can do together.”
Traditions can help blended families form cherished bonds that will last a lifetime. As with all families, new traditions can begin at any point in a family’s development.
“Volunteer at a women’s shelter or homeless shelter, a nursing home and/or the humane society,” Bell said. “Go to a Christmas play or music program as a family.”
Many families will be spending the holiday with a newborn. Alisha Hardman, assistant professor in the MSU School of Human Sciences, provided some creative ideas for new traditions.
“Purchase a plain tree skirt and each year trace your child’s hand on the skirt and write his or her name and year inside,” she said. “Leave a trail of elf prints from the fireplace through the living room. To make them, cut two sponges in the shape of small shoe prints; then dip them in a plate of ‘elf dust,’ which is flour, baby powder and carpet deodorizer. Spend one night sleeping on the floor under the lighted tree, listening to holiday music.”
All together
Hardman said the important thing is that families share in a tradition that everyone is included in and enjoys.
“The nature of engaging in the same tradition year after year binds the family together through shared memories and experiences,” she said. “Coordinate plans with every member of the family, especially if co-parents are involved. Avoid competition and hurt feelings by striving to give equality to all children.”
Lara Angel, MSU Extension agent in DeSoto County, said families with members in the military or far away from home can still share special traditions during the holiday season.
“To include someone in the military or too far away to be home, try including them by using technology,” she said. “If the tradition is to go see a movie on Christmas Day, Skype or Facetime with the child to discuss the movie after everyone has seen it. Surprise them by mailing them their favorite holiday treat so they can have a taste of home.”
Sometimes the holiday season comes after a time of loss. Grandparents or other family members who become guardians of children can still keep the family traditions alive.
“A grandparent raising a grandchild after he or she has lost a parent can hang a stocking in memory of the parent or parents so everyone can place notes, cards, pictures or drawings,” Angel said. “A few other ideas would be to start a new ritual or tradition in honor of the lost parent, such as decorating gingerbread houses in their honor, lighting a candle or helping someone. Be sure to honor the traditions children had with their parent or parents.”
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