Us This Summer 2009
The goal is that the first Tuesday of each and every month, I will share with you some tradition ideas for that month that I have collected through the years. On the rest of the Tuesdays, I will share advice from the experts on how to make your family stronger and happier through daily, weekly, and monthly traditions.
Traditions I believe, are the glue that hold families together. I used to work as a consultant for a company called Once Upon a Family. Really great company and great products. The founder Lorle Campos, shared this important piece of advice:
The Essential Ingredients of Memorable Celebrations/Traditions:
Meaningful Participation
Expressing Emotions
Magical Moments: Suspense Surprise
Oohs and Aahs...Satisfying the Senses
Record and Remember
You are here because you are Special
"One thing that will just about guarantee the success of any celebration or get-together is participation. The more everyone is involved, the more memorable it will be for all. Satisfying the senses (food, décor, lighting, music, etc.) will keep your guests focused on the here and now, to enjoy the moment and whatever you have planned for them. A little magic goes a long way (anticipation, suspense, surprise) and the display of positive emotions (humor, love, appreciation, support, admiration, and hope for the future) has a powerful impact on how we remember the event. Let each guest know you have invited them because they are special in some way, and their presence adds to the joy and success of the celebration. And, last but not least, taking photos, that capture the mood of your get-together, can enhance reality by keeping memories alive."
Great advice! I think so many traditions happen naturally when these things are done. These are the memories that stick and that we want to do over and over again. I can't wait to share a whole bunch of tradition ideas with you for the month of November tomorrow on Tradition Tuesday!
P.S. I also hope you will feel welcome to share some of your families' favorite traditions with all of us each Tuesday as well!
