Why family traditions are important?

Family traditions are as unique and special to each family as the family itself. These experiences that are passed down are things we may take for granted, but they create a sense of cohesion and connection and communicate important values within families. Traditions also create a sense of belonging and identity for families and their members.

Think back to the last family gathering that you attended. The chances are that some aspect of what you imagined involved a tradition or memory of a tradition that your family shares. While some traditions may seem insignificant or silly, they create positive feelings and serve as a means of cross-generational connection and communicating values, history, and culture within the family. Our sense of belonging within our families often comes from traditions that we share with them.

Traditions are created and handed from generation to generation because of the special meaning to important events and their means to create bonds with family members. The sense of belonging and who we are often coming from our families and is communicated via these traditions. Safety, comfort, and security come from familiarity and predictability – both things that family traditions foster.

Memories that last a lifetime, a strong sense of belonging, family values, cross-generational bonding, and a sense of safety and security are vital benefits of family traditions. When we start our own branches of the family tree through a commitment to romantic partners, or building families, we have a unique opportunity to pass on a tradition that gives these things to our partners and future generations. We also can create our own family traditions that will communicate what is important to us. We also have the ability to include our family members in building new traditions that are inclusive of and enjoyed by everyone.

Traditions need not be pricey, formal, or saved for major holidays. Daily traditions like sharing gratitude at dinner or playing a card game before bed are great ways to incorporate tradition daily. Bringing the family together with shared activities fostering shared values and building healthy and resourceful behaviors is vital for connection and overall well-being.