1 of 16

Creating a Family-Centered �Spiritual Practice

Rev. Jan Avende

https://tinyurl.com/ADFFamilyTraditions

2 of 16

Why are traditions important?

  • They connect us to our family
  • They connect us to our community
  • They help create our sense of self and contribute to our identity

​

3 of 16

What elements of celebration make for good traditions?

  • Are gifts important?
  • Seasonal Arts & Crafts
  • Making the Seasonal Tasks we do Intentional
  • Tying into celebrations in the over-culture

​

4 of 16

What do we need to keep in mind for families with kids?

  • Attention span
  • Will kids talk about this activity with their friends & teachers?
  • Fun!
  • Meaningful & Memorable
  • Safety & Supervision (candles, anyone?)
  • Age Range – getting buy-in from 5 yr olds will be different than getting buy-in from 15 yr olds

​

5 of 16

Types of Celebrations

Minor Holidays

  • Full Moon
  • New Moon
  • Tooth fairy
  • Sweet 16
  • First day of school
  • Thanksgiving
  • First Snow
  • Memorial Day
  • Election Day
  • Juneteenth

​

Major Holidays

  • Autumn Cross-Quarter
  • Winter Solstice
  • Winter Cross-Quarter
  • Spring Equinox
  • Spring Cross-Quarter
  • Summer Solstice
  • Summer Cross-Quarter
  • Autumn Equinox

​

​

​

6 of 16

Let’s brainstorm together!

Some things to consider as we think:

​

  • Focus & Connection for the Holiday

 

  • Pre-existing Celebrations

 

  • Seasonal Activities

​

  • Pagan Options for the High Day (rites, activities, etc) 

​

  • Kid Inclusive Considerations

​

  • Small gift

7 of 16

Autumn �Cross-Quarter

  • Focus & Connection for the Holiday
  • Pre-existing Celebrations
  • Seasonal Activities
  • Pagan Options for the High Day (rites, activities, etc) 
  • Kid Inclusive Considerations
  • Small gift

Ideas?

​

8 of 16

Winter Solstice

  • Focus & Connection for the Holiday
  • Pre-existing Celebrations
  • Seasonal Activities
  • Pagan Options for the High Day (rites, activities, etc) 
  • Kid Inclusive Considerations
  • Small gift

Ideas?

​

9 of 16

Winter �Cross-Quarter

  • Focus & Connection for the Holiday
  • Pre-existing Celebrations
  • Seasonal Activities
  • Pagan Options for the High Day (rites, activities, etc) 
  • Kid Inclusive Considerations
  • Small gift

Ideas?

​

10 of 16

Spring Equinox

  • Focus & Connection for the Holiday
  • Pre-existing Celebrations
  • Seasonal Activities
  • Pagan Options for the High Day (rites, activities, etc) 
  • Kid Inclusive Considerations
  • Small gift

Ideas?

​

11 of 16

Spring �Cross-Quarter

  • Focus & Connection for the Holiday
  • Pre-existing Celebrations
  • Seasonal Activities
  • Pagan Options for the High Day (rites, activities, etc) 
  • Kid Inclusive Considerations
  • Small gift

Ideas?

​

12 of 16

Summer Solstice

  • Focus & Connection for the Holiday
  • Pre-existing Celebrations
  • Seasonal Activities
  • Pagan Options for the High Day (rites, activities, etc) 
  • Kid Inclusive Considerations
  • Small gift

Ideas?

​

13 of 16

Summer �Cross-Quarter

  • Focus & Connection for the Holiday
  • Pre-existing Celebrations
  • Seasonal Activities
  • Pagan Options for the High Day (rites, activities, etc) 
  • Kid Inclusive Considerations
  • Small gift

Ideas?

​

14 of 16

Autumn Equinox

  • Focus & Connection for the Holiday
  • Pre-existing Celebrations
  • Seasonal Activities
  • Pagan Options for the High Day (rites, activities, etc) 
  • Kid Inclusive Considerations
  • Small gift

Ideas?

​

15 of 16

New & Full Moons

  • Focus & Connection for the Holiday
  • Pre-existing Celebrations
  • Seasonal Activities
  • Pagan Options for the High Day (rites, activities, etc) 
  • Kid Inclusive Considerations
  • Small gift

Ideas?

​

16 of 16

Other �Minor Holidays

  • Focus & Connection for the Holiday
  • Pre-existing Celebrations
  • Seasonal Activities
  • Pagan Options for the High Day (rites, activities, etc) 
  • Kid Inclusive Considerations
  • Small gift

Ideas?

​

  • Tooth fairy
  • Sweet 16
  • First day of school
  • Thanksgiving
  • First Snow
  • Memorial Day
  • Election Day
  • Juneteenth