As adults, some of our most memorable memories are likely to come from childhood holidays: decorating the tree at Christmas time, lighting the candles for Kwanzaa, or spending the New Year with the noisemakers. But holidays aren’t just for helping adults feel a connection with the past. They also create a structure and annual rhythm that will carry our children into the future.

　　Indeed, in a world in which children constantly are experiencing developmental, social, and academic changes, family traditions provide stepping stones that lead us from season to season, year to year. It gives children a sense of security to know how their world works, that on Christmas Eve, the family always goes to midnight mass (午夜弥撒). The songs, sights, and stories of the winter holidays also help children experience feelings of respect, feelings that aren’t often encouraged in our rather cynical (悲观的) modern culture. The time spent with loved ones also can promote a deep sense of family roots and cultural history, which in itself is key for developing a sense of belonging, well-being, and self-esteem.

　　The winter holidays are especially good for creating family-building traditions. Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa all in some way celebrate light, warmth, and love, and all of them provide a sense of home and hearth (壁炉边). As new parents, we begin to have our own set of customs around these holidays, and many traditions will be drawn from our past, especially at first. But with years going on, we are sure to develop original ones that suit our own particular lifestyles, children’s personalities, and personal tastes. Granted, modifying family traditions may feel like a break with the past, but they help to consider these changes as a connection with the future as well, which we transmitted to our children with all the best wishes.

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