“Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world.”

~ Susan Lieberman

Traditions give us something to look forward to. Our richest memories are made with family and friends, transforming an ordinary experience into an extraordinary one.

Every St. Patrick’s day I get up early, don something green and make green eggs and ham for my family. I sometimes turn the butter green that goes on the toast or color the orange juice. I scramble the eggs with blue food coloring, which makes them a delightful shade of green and add big chunks of ham. I melt cheese all over the top, place the frying pan on the table and call everyone to the breakfast table. When my children were little I would read Green Eggs & Ham by Dr. Seuss as they ate. Although they’re older now, they still look forward to this unique breakfast offering each year.

Maybe your family has annual traditions surrounding your 4th of July, Labor Day, Christmas or Easter celebrations. Some families have monthly traditions like a family party for everybody who has a birthday in their extended family that month. I know a few families who have weekly traditions! I invite you to pick one and try it for a month. Here are some I’ve heard of:

Movie Monday – everyone makes their own pizza to enjoy during the movie

Taco Tuesday – go out or homemade

Waffle Wednesday – with a variety of yummy toppings

Throwback Thursday – roller skating, swimming, bowling, movie, go out to eat as a family – anything that takes you back to the days when families did everything together, (maybe you’ve focused a lot on this one over the past six months!)

Friday – Date night (spouse, significant other, Daddy/daughter, Mother/son, Girl’s night out / Male bonding time, you choose)

Saturday – Breakfast for dinner & game night

Sunday – Letter writing (to a pen pal, grandparents, someone serving in the armed forces, missionaries, friends) and ice cream sundaes

Years ago I began a weekly tradition of making a special dinner on Sunday evening. All my children, (even the ones who have married and moved away but are close enough to come), gather at my house to enjoy each other’s company and a good meal. I make large quantities so anybody can bring a friend with them if they desire. We call it our Family & Friend Dinner. We really look forward to this regular family time.

I invite you to start a weekly tradition with your family. Pick one of these or create one of your own. You’ll be surprised at how meaningful it will become.