Pay attention to what other families do. Talk to your friends, read articles and do some research on the Internet to come up with ideas. Keep in mind that you don't have to do things exactly the way other families do. If you see a tradition you like but it doesn't quite fit your family, tweak it until it does.
Ask your family if they miss any things you have done in the past that you don't do anymore or only did once or twice. Next, ask if there is anything that they might like to do to create a new tradition.
The family next door goes to nursing homes to sing Christmas carols every year, and it looks like one of those tear-jerker Christmas commercials in your mind. It sounds great until you remember that your kids can't keep a tune and your husband has a phobia about hospital settings.
Scratch that and any other unrealistic idea from the list. Tailor the tradition to your family's talents, interests and abilities to create your own special moments that everyone can enjoy. Keep in mind that teenagers often scoff at the traditions but later admit that they were special parts of their childhoods.
If one of your family members suggests that the best tradition of all would be a game night featuring a game you have hated since childhood, don't say "no" too fast. Give it a try. You may have more fun than you expect, and a new tradition could emerge.
Remember: All traditions begin with a first time that gets repeated over and over again.
If you try to implement a new tradition and it just doesn't work for you, be willing to let it go. Family traditions are times to create happy memories, not frustration. Keep only the activities that everyone enjoys.
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