Values Forum: Family Programs

Traditions - Religious Holidays

"Growing up in our family, the month prior to Christmas was an important time. We celebrated advent and tried to make it a meaningful experience, I think in part to deflect from the materialistic nature of secular Christmas. Every night we lit the advent wreath and the youngest child would ask questions that would provide a prompt for the nativity story to be told. During this same time, we would draw names to choose a person in the household for whom you would be their secret 'advent friend.' Your task, once assigned, was to do something nice for that person each week of advent, without them knowing. It was a great tradition."
Lori Weichenthal, MD Fresno, California

"My family celebrates Easter by having a big family get together. We usually go to Sunrise service to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. After church we go to our house and have brunch. After that we have a big Easter egg hunt. It is really fun!"
Kailin Henry, Spokane, Washington

"In my family we celebrate Hanukkah with a few things my mom has passed down to us. We light the Menorah for eight days to remind us of days long ago. We eat traditional foods such as latkes which are delicious potato pancakes, and matzo ball soup. We also get presents from our relatives. That's our tradition."
Ryan Granger, Washington