We all have our special holiday and celebration traditions. Whether its bringing home the tree for Christmas on December 15 every year or baking Great Grandmas special custard pie, there are certain traditions that help create our own holiday magic. While they hold particular meaning and sentiment for us, our children learn those rituals and can adopt them as their own when theyre grown and begin their own families. Some children cling to tradition like a favorite teddy bear, even at a young age.

Though we might not realize how deeply our kids are touched by family traditions, most children look forward to the holidays and the little ways we make them special. Its a form of security for children to know that certain events and personal touches will always be part of their celebrations.

Whether your family is large and boisterous or small and mellow, they are the people we belong to. Uncle John might be a bigot and Grandma Sue chews tobacco but hey, theyre our family. Children feel this sense of belonging and have no clue that the world is different beyond their family circle. Soon enough they might realize what a dunce Uncle John is and find Grandmas chew a little harsh, but for the first part of their lives, kids are tolerant and filled with love for the relatives whove shown them love.

If your children are older and wiser, they will still find comfort and fun in the family holiday spirit. Let them help decorate the tree or light the menorah. They can help wrap presents, learn to bake your favorite holiday cookies or read special stories to the younger kids.

Holidays and special traditions are part of what make a family close. Your children will be forever grateful that you took the time to create and honor these special times and memories.