Friday Night Traditions

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 are so important in a family. They provide consistent memories, family time, structure and something to look forward to.  For children, traditions make up the routine that keeps them feeling secure. 

We usually associate traditions with holidays and special times of year.  Today I am challenging you to start a new tradition.  One that you can celebrate every week!  I think Friday night is a good night for family traditions, but you can choose whichever day works for you.

I remember growing having the tradition of Sunday Night scones, Friday family movie night, and monday game night.  Of course, rarely altogether.  Traditions come and go.  Just because you start a tradition doesn't mean you have to commit to it for the rest of your life.  Traditions are only fun so long as they make sense in your family.  Once they consistently become a drudgery or work, get rid of them.  You children will still look back on these traditions with fond memories even if they don't last for years and years.

So what are some guidelines for fun weekly traditions? 

1.  Anything that can be done for free or very cheap.  That way the tradition can still provide a sense of security even when things might not be financially ideal.

2.  Something that the whole family can enjoy and participate in.

3.  Something that encourages conversation and fun.

Your tradition can be small or large, short or long.  It is up to you and your needs.  Make sure you are flexible with your traditions.  A Friday movie night may soon turn into a Friday Football night when your child joins the team, or a Monday tradition may have to become a Wednesday tradition as schedules change. 

Still at a loss for what new tradition to start?  Here are a few ideas for fun weekly traditions.

Dinner by candle light

Game night

Movie night

Special Dessert night

Story telling night

A long walk/hike

Dance party day

Arts and Crafts night

Doorbell Ditch a treat

Secret acts of Service day

The possibilities are endless, the memories last forever. We are implementing a weekend game night (sometimes Friday, sometimes Saturday).  What new tradition will you start?