Establishing Family Traditions

Highlights From Kim Heinecke at Jingle 2012

Do you remember a favorite tradition from your childhood? Maybe each Christmas Eve you attended church or perhaps your family initiated a toy drive for others. Some of you dressed in cute jammies that matched your little brother. And more than a few of us ate our weight in iced and sprinkled sugar cookies. Aren't family traditions fun?!

Why are traditions important for building strong families?

They bond family members and bring people together. As we spend time together, relationships are strengthened.
They give a family a sense of identity. The things we do together say, "We are family."
They reinforce family values. How we spend our time reflects what is important to us.
They provide special memories. Think about all the great stories passed down from your grandparents!

Family traditions don't have to be expensive or difficult. Make them natural, simple and consistent. Keep the central focus of your family traditions on honoring God. Scripture tells us to "...set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Col 3:1-2 It's easy to say 'Jesus is the reason for the season' but it takes effort to make that a reality in our homes.

We must be intentional about setting our hearts and minds on the things of God, especially when establishing family traditions. Incorporate God's word into your events, discussions and activities as often as you can. Be encouraged to make the most of every opportunity to impart spiritual truth to your children. You can take an ordinary activity or current tradition and give it a spiritual twist by including a full devotional time or simply asking questions to prompt discussion during the event.

Here are a few examples to get you started.

Engage in the Bible story, Luke 2 - Read it together. Act it out and video it each year. Let your little kids dress up. It's a fun way to make the story really come alive.
Decorate together - As you prepare your home for the holiday season, ask your kids how we can be intentional about preparing our hearts to receive Christ.
Show and tell - Ask each family member to show an item that represents something for which they are thankful. It requires more thought than just around the table and telling.
Work a puzzle - Put a jigsaw puzzle out on the table and allow family members to work on it throughout the season. Talk about how the puzzle is like our life. At first it looks like a jumbled pile of pieces but it all works together to form something meaningful. Use Romans 8:28 in your discussion.
Plan a scavenger hunt - Hide clues around the house and let the kids enjoy the adventure of searching for each one. Remind them what the Bible says in Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Discuss how we can be diligent in seeking God.
Serve someone – Take hot chocolate or coffee to the Salvation Army bell ringers. Model for your kids how to give your time or your money to serve others. Mark 10:45 – "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his live as a ransom for many."
Lights tour – While driving around looking at lights, start a conversation about being a light in a dark world. John 12:46 "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness…"

Whatever your family traditions, make an effort this year to treasure the things of God in your activities. It's not difficult and a little effort can have an eternal impact on our children!

Be blessed in your pursuit of Christ this season,
Kim Heinecke