Our family has enjoyed several traditions through the years--some quick and easy, some that take more planning and preparation time. My favorite of the ‘quick and easy’ is to hide a raisin in the mashed potatoes at the festive meal. The lucky one to find the raisin is the winner of a small prize---a deck of cards, candle, etc.

For years my sister, our children and myself made gingerbread houses together. We would gather shortly after the Thanksgiving holiday. Most of the time we created gingerbread villages. The important thing is that the children decorated the houses and enjoyed the time for expression and creativity. In more recent years, a single house and gingerbread ornaments are more commonly the result of the holiday tradition. Through the years we have enjoyed sharing this tradition---such as making houses for the neighborhood children and inviting them over for a decorating party. Children love it!

My daughter and I also made Christmas baskets for special people and delivered them a week or so before Christmas.

This has probably been the most teachable tradition for us. Much thought and planning went into the masterpieces.

In their book, Three Steps to a Stronger Family, Linda and Richard Eyre point out that many traditions emphasize and teach values. Consider these points:

• Communication -- Many traditions inspire communication within the family.
• Education -- A tradition can teach a new skill or refine concepts.
• Responsibility -- Traditions can improve children and adult’s ability to accept responsibility, set goals, and to be self-reliant.
• Sensitivity -- You can increase your family members’ tolerance, empathy and respect for other people.
• Individuality -- a tradition can increase a child’s sense of individual confidence and who they are as individuals.