Joyful homes aren‘t perfect, but they CELEBRATE!
Celebrations are not just a nice bonus, they are an important part of building a strong family life. What we celebrate is an effective way to communicate our values to our kids, and how we celebrate becomes a crucial element of our family culture: a warm way for members to stop their routine and connect around what’s important.
Celebrations don’t need to be big, complicated or expensive, nor do we have to stick to just major holidays or birthdays. For example:
- Celebrate Baptismal days by lighting a candle at dinner and saying a blessing for that family member, recalling the events of that day.
- At dinner or bedtime, do a “win of the week” where each family member shares something difficult they persevered at doing.
- Pick 2 or 3 saints that are special to your family. On their feast days, read a short bio from the internet and have dessert.
- Often we move from one thing to the next without pausing to reflect. On the way home from a tournament, recital, play or other accomplishment, make a habit of asking questions such as:
- How did this accomplishment make you feel?
- How have you improved since last year?
- What obstacles did you overcome to get here?
“This is the day the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
We often hear this psalm during the Easter season, which makes sense, as there’s a lot to celebrate! But this psalm can also help us learn to celebrate the ordinary days and the small things. Every day has been made by the LORD, and every one is filled with God’s blessings.
The liturgical year gives us so much balance. In Lent, we remember to sacrifice, so we make room in our hearts for God. During Easter, it’s good to remember to rejoice in all the good that God has given us. Intentional, regular little celebrations can make our families more grateful for God’s gifts and more appreciative of one another!