Traditions

I was asked if I would address staring traditions. This has been difficult for our family. We observed what others did and then we would try to implement them at our home. Most of the time it did not work. Every family has different dynamics. Therefore, what floats your boat may not float mine. We have found that the best traditions are the ones that just flow naturally. The most important thing is to make sure they are age appropriate. If you are starting this with teenagers be sure to not make this too corny. If you are starting with toddlers do not expect them to sit through long recitations and ceremony. They can be trained to obey, but not trained to love it. The key is teaching them to love it. I will run through our liturgy for sabbath feasting. The dinner begins with my husband reading scripture at the table. Usually what the pastor has e-mailed us for the sermon that week. During this time I am usually putting the food on the table. It is too tempting to put the food on the table and not let them partake. As they get older this will change. He then speaks a blessing on our family and toasts to our Sabbath. We then eat. We try to have fun engaging conversation. Maybe about what the sermon will be about the next day. But, let's face it with an 8 month old, 3 year old, 5 and 8 year old, we are usually cleaning up spills, laughing(or trying not to)or just enjoying the chaos. We then move to the living room for a family worship. We due this everyday so we wanted to make this on special. We did not know what to do, but again the kids came through. They see this as a night to celebrate and do we not have parties when we celebrate. They use this as a time to put on a show. They recite anything we are working on at the time. They have lots of fun with this as it is usually accompanied with much movement and laughter. They always have their favorite psalms or hymns to request. After this we will do family games or something else that is fun for everyone.I Tell you this just as a example. Not for you to copy. This has to have meaning for your home in order for your children to develop a love for it. You will also have to change things as your children get older. If you have a wide age range than consider letting the older ones be part of leading some things. One of my 8 year old's favorite parts is when he gets to read the scripture at the beginning of the meal. Be creative and do not stress. Let your traditions be a natural part of the Sabbath.

Julie