The Importance Of Family Traditions

Family traditions are important for several reasons. They define and unite the family, even in the face of adversity, passing along a collective identity with the traditions that continue through future generations. They also often carry with them key values and beliefs that are held as sacred within a family or community. Even in - or perhaps especially in these modern times, upholding traditions can be a way to connect the past with the present and in turn, with the future.

However just as everything changes with time, adjusting or creating new traditions to meet the lifestyle of the current and future generations can be pivotal for maintaining that generational sense of unity. They don’t need to be elaborate or complex. They just need to be activities that the whole family can participate in, grow, learn, and get to understand each other better. Achieving this feat will help you keep a close-knit family, which can be the foundation of so many more extraordinary things.

Here are some ideas for family traditions that can be carried out year after year.

Family Vacations

It’s the norm of some families to take vacations in order to bond. The laxative nature of holidays allows families to gel together and enjoy each other’s company without the daily grind getting in the way. It’s an opportunity to see your family members in a different light and therefore, on a deeper level. It’s also a great opportunity to talk about a different issues that may be difficult to discuss in daily life. Though it may feel intrusive to mend fences over vacation, the easy mood can speed the healing process and allow you the chance to start on a clean slate once you are back. 

Scheduling annual family vacations can create a routine that will become your family's traditions. Choosing specific activities is also a great way to create traditions the entire family can look forward to together. 

Family Activities

Activities like fishing, sightseeing, RV’ing, or camping are a great way to enhance a bonding session. Scheduling these activities at least once per year will strengthen the family bond while allowing you to master additional skills - like learning to build a fire or set up a tent. Activities that require patience and attention, like being able to learn to fish, are a wonderful way to challenge your family while helping each other thrive.

Truthfully, some of these skills require extra practice to perfect the craft. However, it’s been proven that overcoming a challenge together is one of the best ways to build a sense of teamwork. Learning as a family to use specific tools and equipment like camping tents or fishing basics like using a rod gives you a strong sense of unity, great memories, and more time to bond.

Competitions and Games

While a growth mentality should always be encouraged over achievements, having a competitive family often creates a general hunger for success. It pushes you to achieve more and broadens your potential. Games are a great way to foster this desire while keeping the mood light. Try taking something simple like sports and adding a few personalized tweaks to modernize the game into an exciting adventure. It will keep the focus off winning while allowing the healthy competitive aspect to shine through.

Family Business, Assets, and Power

In another vein of family tradition, aside from rituals or yearly events, family businesses and assets are among the best types of inheritance one can pass on. It can provide them with a solid financial foundation which they can pass to future generations if well-maintained. Staying aware and staying strict with financial decisions to avoid sabotages or mismanagement in the future is definitely key.

Family traditions are, were, and will always be a part of most family dynamics. Seek to find out what makes your family tick: these activities can be a big part of keeping your family growing from strength to strength. And importantly, it’s something precious you can return to in times of adversity.