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This month, we’re exploring the theme of rituals & traditions—because the moments we repeat become memories.
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Week 1
If you were part of the Holidays with Kids webinar (if not, you can catch the replay here), then you heard my story about my family's awkward Christmases that left me feeling not-so-seen, and definitely not like a real part of things. And I know I'm not alone.
This month, our theme is Rituals & Traditions.
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I think most of us come with a pretty mixed bags of things that we enjoyed from our childhood, and things we didn't. I want us to take this first week of December, before things get totally chaotic, to reflect on the rituals and traditions that we carry with us: good and bad.
Weekly Challenge:
Take some time to think about the things that you might intentionally try not to think about. Reflect on the rituals and traditions that you witnessed and experienced in your own childhood, how they made you feel, and the lasting impact they've had on you.
You might have some tough things to feel over the next days, or, you might be filled with warmth and joy! My guess is, it's going to be a mix of both.
As always, if you feel comfy, please do tell us all about your thoughts in the WhatsApp Community!
Week 2
Focus: Building low-effort rituals and traditions that serve your family
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You spent all last week reflecting on the rituals you already have, and you've probably noticed which ones you want to keep, and which you want to ditch. Now, you get to make some changes!
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I made it a point to say "low-effort" - this matters! You have enough on your plate. We're just focusing on small shifts, or playing around with new ideas at this point. Nothing major like planning yearly trips or fancy home movies. I'm talking "popcorn and movies" or "cookies and a game" or "holiday themed crafts". Something that doesn't feel overwhelming for you to set up, and gives a lot of holiday-family-togetherness feel!
Weekly Challenge:
Next time you're sitting at the dinner table and there's a moment of calm (or maybe that moment is before bed, or even during some casual play), have a chat with your kiddo and see what kinds of traditions or rituals sound appealing to them. Share your ideas and what matters to you, and let them do the same. You might be pretty surprised by what they say! In my experience, children are very deep thinkers!
Week 3
Focus: Values
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Happy Week 3 December!!
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This month is ZOOMING by - so fast that I completely missed yesterday's challenge LOL.
Last week, you focused on identifying what kinds of low-effort, high-impact rituals and traditions you can create in your family. Now that you have an idea of which traditions feel good for everyone, we're going to spend this week looking for ways to connect these events to your deeper values.
Sure, baking cookies is fun at the surface level. But it's also a chance to teach your child confidence in the kitchen. Watching a movie is great - but it's also the perfect opportunity to teach intentional relaxation.
Not everything needs to be a teachable moment (no really, please don't - that's exhausting, and what some of you pay me for!). But sometimes, the experience is the learning.
Weekly Challenge:
Consider what value might be represented by or within your traditions. Think about the longevity, and what you want your child to take with them beyond just "holiday memories".
Week 4
Focus: *Existing*
In case you haven't looked at the calendar in a while, today is Monday!!
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Don't worry - no challenges today ;) just a super gentle check in.
I'd love to hear how your week of rituals and traditions worked out for your family. Are you feeling drained? Refreshed? Satisfied? Touched out?
Let's spend this week setting ourselves up for an easy breezy "slide" (as they say in Austria!) into the New Year!
Weekly Challenge:
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Literally just exist