Family Traditions

Creating Memories with your New Family

Did you get married this year and it’s your first Christmas as a Mr. and Mrs.? Or are getting married next year? Regardless, it is important to think about your own family traditions as a new family unit as well as how you are going to honor time with each of your families.

Carving out time for your own family unit

This year it might be just the two of you, but in future years, there could be children as a part of your family. Are there specific things that you want to be sure you do as a family? Maybe it is important that you attend your own Christmas Eve church service rather than a family member’s church. Some families want to be sure they have Christmas morning at home at their own home. Regardless of what time is important to you, make that decision together that you are going to be dedicated to spending that time as the two of you desire.

Honoring time with you families

Think about the times that have been most memorable with your families growing up. Discuss what times are important for you to spend with each of your families and then speak with your families. Having a discussion first between the two of you as a new married couple will help you be better aligned and make decisions together. You may be lucky that each of your families have already built traditions of getting together at different times. If they haven’t, discuss with each of them if there is a way you can build new traditions. If not, you may have to switch off each year where you spend your time. Be flexible but try to come away with a plan that you can joyfully honor. Be sure before you make any commitments to extended family members that you discuss plans with your spouse.

Creating your own traditions

Traditions can mean lots of things. This could be around experiences, meals, who you celebrate with, and more. Some families love to have a specific meal on Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, or Christmas day. Maybe you want Italian food on Christmas Eve. Everyone loves pasta after all. Cinnamon rolls, breakfast casserole, and french toast are great Christmas morning foods. Think about if there is a specific thing your family loves that you would love to do every single year to honor a specific time.

Since Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birth. You could make the tradition of baking a birthday cake and singing. What a fun way to celebrate. If you have kids in the family, they will love participating in this activity.

Do you love viewing Christmas lights? Going for an evening drive with your hot chocolate in your mug can be another tradition. Traditions don’t have to be grand activities. They are more about the quality time spent together.

Putting Christ first in Christmas

Giving and receiving gifts are a big part of many Christmas celebrations. Remember this season is about the best gift of all: God’s son sent as a baby; the savior of the world. Don’t forget to read the Christmas story. Many families love to gather around the Bible and read the story of Jesus’ birth before opening presents. This reminds us to be thankful for the ultimate gift.

This Christmas may be full of change for your family, but as a new family unit this change is exciting. Build memories together, honor your spouse, and spend time worshiping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you are newly engaged or planning a wedding for 2024 or 2025, I’d love to meet with you and give you a tour of our estate. The Carriage House is a beautiful venue that can be customized for your wedding.

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All my best,

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