It is the holiday season and a time for families to create wonderful memories. When a large number of older adults were asked what they remembered most about the holidays, almost all of them told stories of different kinds of traditions or rituals that were carried with in their families. These are so important not only for creating memories but also building a sense of connectedness in the family. They can be activities or just little objects that help the family celebrate this fun season. Here are some ideas:

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  - Make a gum drop tree out of pipe cleaners and then put the gum drops on it. On that special night when the kids are in bed, tie some money to the tree for each of the family members.
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• - Get some pieces of colorful cloth and have a night when each person sits down and cuts out, pastes or sews a stocking to hang up for that special night.
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• - Take each of the children shopping at a dollar store to buy presents for the other family members. Stop buy and buy a cup of chocolate on the way home.
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• - Research some old-world traditions on the internet such as Swedish, English, German and decide together what might be fun for celebrate together. In my family, we celebrated Lucia with the oldest girl wearing the crown of lights and we visited the rest of the family homes with cakes and coffee.
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• - Another tradition we had on Christmas Eve was to visit the shut-ins and sing carols and drop off fresh baked breads and cookies
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• - Every Christmas each person would create their own special ornament that had something to do with their past year, such as a soccer ball or a pair of skis, etc.
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• - Have each person create a holiday plate that can be used on special days through out the year.
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• - Take turns each year letting each of the children put a star or some special ornament on top of the tree.
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• - Make your own candles together.
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• - Create your own advent candle holder and light one of the four candles each week of advent.
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• - Invite a special guest to your table that maybe celebrating alone and would enjoy the celebration with your family.

These are just a few ideas. What is important is that you create positive memories for your family.

Dr. Jonell is a family therapist with a practice in the Arvada area. He may be reached at 303 522-0515