 | ||
|
| |    Using Holidays to Foster Family Traditions by Susan E. Davis reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. As adults, some of our most vivid and cherished memories are likely to stem from childhood holidays: decorating the tree at Christmastime, eating sizzling latkes at Chanukah, lighting the candles for Kwanzaa, or ushering in the New Year with the rattle of noisemakers. But holidays aren't just for helping adults feel a connection with the past. They also create a structure and annual rhythm that will carry our children into the future. Indeed, in a world in which children constantly are barraged with developmental, social, and academic changes, family traditions provide sturdy stepping stones that lead us from season to season, year to year. It gives children a sense of security to know how their world works, that on Christmas Eve, the family always goes to midnight mass, for instance, or that the Karamu feast always contains black-eyed peas and rice, or that Aunt Ethel always sings "Dreidel, Dreidel" slightly off key after lighting the menorah. The songs, sights, and stories of the winter holidays also help children experience feelings of awe and reverence, feelings that aren't often encouraged in our rather cynical modern culture. The time spent with loved ones also can promote a deep sense of family roots and cultural history, which in itself is key for developing a sense of belonging, well-being, and self-esteem. The winter holidays are especially good for creating family-building traditions. Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa all in some way celebrate light, warmth, and love, all nourish a cozy sense of home and hearth. As new parents, we begin to forge our own set of rites and rituals around these holidays, and many traditions will be drawn from our past, especially at first. But as the years go on, we are sure to develop original ones that suit our own particular lifestyles, children's personalities, and personal tastes. Granted, modifying family traditions may feel like a break with the past, but it helps to consider these changes as a connection with the future as well, as we hand them off to our children with all the best wishes the season has to offer. Ideas for children at different ages: Talk about:
| |  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| About Us |
Contact Us |
Our Partners Privacy Policy | Ethics | Advertising Policy | Terms of Service © Copyright 2004 The Dr. Spock Company. All Rights Reserved. THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information drSpock.com
provides is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for
professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your health care
professional if you have a specific health concern. Mention or advertisement
of any product, service, or brand does not constitute endorsement, guarantee,
or recommendation by The Dr. Spock Company. Please read our full
Terms of Service. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
