It is the time of year where traditions are strong everywhere you look. Santa is returning to the mall that he’s sat at for decades and bakeries are over flowing with pumpkin and pecan pies. Many traditions have existed for generations and fit the needs of one’s culture, religion or family. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for new traditions among the old.
As a perinatal therapist, I talk to new moms all the time. And something this time of year that always seems to come up is family traditions. Often, moms are feeling run down after a Thanksgiving weekend visiting four houses and family pictures occurring with each side of the family. They are feeling frazzled after unpacking late Sunday night after returning from Aunt Sue’s house only be at work and school early the next morning.
I like to give my client’s permission to add their own traditions in place of those that no longer serve them after their baby is born, or to add something new among the long-standing family tradition. Here are some ways to start new family traditions:
- Involve everyone by having a family meeting to discuss values and brainstorm ideas
- Expand on existing traditions like making apple pie and extend it by going apple picking beforehand
- Change up the location to festivities to better suit traveling family members
- Add matching outfits to the traditional cookie making competitions
- Make a gratitude list during this traditional time of receiving gifts. It’s such a great way to remind children about being thankful!
These are just a few of the ideas of adding to or changing up traditions. Once your family has found one that you want to continue year after year, don’t forget to put a calendar reminder for next year!
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