Traditions with friends or family strengthen the connection with those people. They might be something small, a small gesture you do with a friend or it could be as big as a whole event. These threads of tradition are something that you might miss if you’re not actively paying attention to them – especially if they’ve been going on for years. So this week I thought it would be good to highlight them and talk about how to start new traditions.
The Meaning of Traditions
Why do traditions matter? More than just routines, they offer a sense of belonging and stability. Research has shown that family and friend traditions foster stronger relationships, improve mental well-being, and help preserve cultural heritage. They can be as simple as a weekly Sunday dinner or as grand as an annual holiday gathering. The key is their consistency and emotional significance.
Seasonal & Holiday Traditions
Many of our strongest traditions revolve around seasons and holidays. Some timeless traditions include:
- Thanksgiving Dinner & Gratitude Rituals – Sharing what we are grateful for before the meal.
- Christmas Pajama Exchange – Matching pajamas and movie nights on Christmas Eve.
- New Year’s Eve Letter to Yourself – Writing a letter about hopes and dreams to be opened next year.
- Diwali Light Ceremony – Decorating homes with candles and lanterns to welcome prosperity.
These traditions not only create joyful memories but also give us something to look forward to every year.
Everyday Traditions That Matter
Not all traditions need a grand occasion. Some of the most meaningful rituals happen in everyday life, such as:
- Weekly Family Dinners – A no-phone rule and a focus on conversations.
- Friday Movie Nights with Friends – A rotating pick to introduce each other to their favourite films.
- Morning Coffee Rituals – Take a few quiet moments to start the day right.
These small yet powerful traditions remind us to slow down and nurture our relationships with others.
Some Traditions of mine
I thought I’d also share two of the traditions I have, one with friends and one with family.
The Llama
For my 21st birthday, my brother got me a birthday card with a magnet Llama on it. Little did I know that this little llama would start a tradition that’s been going on for almost 4 years…
Once we’d got rid of my birthday card, the llama lived in the kitchen for around 6 months. Because of the magnet, they could easily be attached to many places. But one day the llama disappeared from the normal spot and appeared hidden on our oven panel. No one originally owned up to this, but later that week, the llama had once again moved and appeared in a different location.
This suddenly became a competition to hide the llama until someone else found it and once you found the llama you had to re-hide it in a new spot.
As a family, we have been hiding this llama for almost five years. It’s safe to say we’re all running out of new locations—especially after adding in the rule that the llama had to be hidden on something magnetic after someone had hidden it somewhere too hard to find.
A New Year’s Eve Tradition
One tradition I have with friends is on New Year’s Eve. We pick a game to play in the week coming up to the 31st and end up playing it for most of the day and well into the night. We chat and laugh and it’s the best way to go into the new year. It means we all stay at home, but still feel connected. I have the best memories of playing through plenty of games with friends and it’s always made me feel positive going into the new year.
How to Start New Traditions
If you want to create new traditions, here are a few steps to get started:
- Identify What Matters Most – Think about what brings you joy and connection.
- Keep It Simple & Sustainable – Traditions don’t have to be elaborate. Small, meaningful moments work best.
- Make It a Habit – Consistency is key to transforming an activity into a tradition.
- Involve Loved Ones – Get input from family or friends to make it inclusive and special.
- Allow Traditions to Evolve – Life changes, and traditions should adapt to new circumstances.
Final Thoughts
Whether you uphold generational traditions or start new ones, what matters is the meaning behind them. The Threads of Tradition are what keep us connected across time, distance, and change.
What are your favourite family or friend traditions? Share them in the comments!