Early Learning Tip: Creating traditions

I was at a local thrift store when I saw “the” glass candy dish. It looked just like one my grandma had on the table full of hard candies during the holidays. What tradition from your childhood do you remember?

Traditions are a connection to our past and our future. Many traditions are based on cultural or religious heritage, but a family tradition does not need to be formal or fancy. While you may think of traditions as they relate to the holidays, a family tradition can be any day or time of the year. Traditions create a sense of comfort and security for a child. Both of which are important. Research supports that families with strong traditions report stronger connections.

As we become parents and have our own families, we decide which traditions to carry forward. We can also form new traditions. Many traditions foster joy, warmth and memories that last. During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, traditions, even the simplest ones, are our anchor.    

If you're looking to incorporate a new tradition, here are some ideas to get you started.

• Wear matching holiday pajamas.    
• Have a holiday movie night.       
• Decorate a gingerbread house (graham crackers work well too).    
• Create or decorate a holiday ornament.                         
• Make special family holiday foods – tamales, dumplings, latkes, cinnamon rolls.          
• Track the shenanigans of Elf on the Shelf.          
• Donate gently used items or participate in a food drive.   
• Read holiday books as a family.            
• Sing or listen to carols.       
• Incorporate a count-down calendar.      
• Deliver homemade treats to neighbors and friends.           
• Make holiday cards for family.          
• Stroll through holiday displays.