Discovering Family Traditions

The Holiday season is here. Thanksgiving is only a week away and Christmas will soon follow. I have my turkey and ingredients to make my famous potato salad. 

I have a love/hate relationship with this time of year. When it is all said and done and everything is put away I am always grateful for the family, friends, and the luxuries I have. But in the moment there are many times I am overwhelmed with the activities and stresses that seem to surround this time of year.

That said let's focus on the positive and the great opportunities to strengthen the family structure and create long lasting memories.

One of the discussions that Lisa and I have this season, revolves around creating "Family Traditions." A 50 year study shows that Traditions, rituals, and routines are important to the health and well-being of family. The Holidays are an easy time to create and renew traditions since it is almost expected. 

Last year we began a tradition that we will carry on into this year. Along with our church we participated in a movement called Advent Conspiracy. This movement desires to push back against consumerism in order to make a difference in the world. As a family one of our goals is to live lives that make a difference and extend the love of Christ to others. Our new tradition is to spend less on material things in order to give the extra resources to our community and build wells in Africa. Does this mean no gifts for you? Not really it means we look to give more relational gifts like our time, attention, and maybe a helping hand. So get your relational gift request in quick! (Check out the Advent Conspiracy website and join us this year)

This year will be Kaden's first Christmas so we are looking to create memories that will last over a life time. Some ideas we have in the works:

• Tree Cutting and Decorating
• Hanging Stockings
• Baking Cookies to Give Away
• Family Photo Day

Holiday Traditions floating around in Daddy's head:

• Hanging turkeys on the mantle for Thanksgiving
• Decorate friends houses with white streamers (used to do this in HS but called it something different)
• Replace Christmas carols with Christmas yodeling

 

If you have more ideas feel free to send them our way. Hopefully you'll be able to start some of your own traditions this Holiday Season. 

Raising Daddy Tip of The Day

To conserve diapers: check to see if the diaper is wet by pulling the diaper and peeking in near baby's bum. Warning watch those fingers for unidentified objects!