Inside you’ll find an in-depth guide to creating a family culture. This is part of a series so be sure to check out the other posts as they come…
Sometimes I lay awake at night wondering if my children will call me when they move out.
I wish I was kidding.
Will they look back on our family life together as something they cherish? What will they remember about the fun times we had? Will all the time we spent together add up to “magical memories” or will they move out and move on?
Am I spending too much time correcting and too little time connecting?
I’ve always envisioned a super long table where I would gather with my kids, their spouses, and my gaggle of grandkids. It’d be a dream come true.
But how do I make this happen?
Being a mother is my greatest passion and day in and day out I love these kids. I feed them, bathe them, and try to teach them about life.
But still… I wondered… what is that “secret” ingredient that strong families had? And how can I copy it?
Turns out… it’s not a secret.
A bit of research…
After doing quite a bit of research on this topic I’ve come to an encouraging and positive conclusion. It isn’t how much money you spend on your kids that counts.
Also, it’s not what school you send them to or how many sports you enroll them in. Believe it or not, it isn’t even how big your house is or how many vacations you take.
One of the biggest predictors of a strong and happy family who love each other through life is this…
It Comes Down to Family Culture
Last month we went out to a seafood restaurant. 6 adults and 10 kids, all aged 7 and under.
People around us could barely eat their dinner they were so horrified. We, on the other hand, were used to it. Lots of kids are part of our life. We ate fish, crab dip, salads, burgers, and grilled cheese.
We enjoyed the atmosphere of this nice restaurant because, like the French, we don’t want to be relegated to fast food just because we have little ones.
As we were leaving we passed a dance floor with a live band. I looked at my husband and said…
“Let’s dance for a song or two.”
He shrugged his shoulders and said, “Why not?”
We held true to a culture of ours…
So there, near the dance floor in this nice beach restaurant, my husband, myself and our 6-year-old, 5-year-old, 4-year old, 2-year old, and 1-year old danced.
We held hands and twirled each other and laughed and smiled. The baby squirmed up and down on my hip and clapped. We enjoyed the Motown music until it was finished then we walked to the car.
This is normal for us.
Why?
The Normans like to dance and sing together for fun.
It’s part of our family culture. It’s one simple thing that makes us who we are.
Family life shouldn’t feel like a blur of to-do lists that leave you wondering if the memories are even sticking. This workshop helps you define your family’s core values and create simple, meaningful traditions that bring everyone closer without adding pressure.
Your family culture is the traditions, habits, practices, and values your family has. It’s who you are as a family.
Furthermore, it is what makes you different than all the other families in the world. It’s your family identity.
Some of you might be thinking… “I don’t think we have a family culture.”
Every family has culture…
As previously stated, culture is defined as traditions, habits, values, and practices. So, just begin by asking yourself some questions like these:
Are you readers?
Do you watch a lot of movies with the kids?
Are morning or bedtime devotions a normal part of your day?
What are your family meal habits?
What do you do on the weekends?
Where are some regular places you go?
How do you treat one another?
Do you have any family sayings or mottos?
As a guide, use this Family Culture printable pack to begin thinking about what makes your family unique. It isn’t the social media worthy stuff, it’s the normal every day moments.
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More family culture questions to consider.
Is faith a large part of your family culture?
Does your family love to watch and play sports?
Are you a brainy family who loves games and challenges?
Do you play lots of board games?
Do you have Taco Tuesdays or Cinnamon Roll Saturdays or Roast Sundays?
Your family culture – when purposefully and continually nurtured – becomes the protective fence around your family where everyone feels safe and belonging.
The Rhodes family love the outdoors. As a family of 5 (2 parents, 3 elementary aged kids) they love hiking, biking, and exploring the mountains around their home in Colorado.
They enjoy being active as a family and go camping a few times a year. Mama Rhodes is a health enthusiast and grows a garden in their backyard which the kids help keep up.
Papa Rhodes likes to fix things in his spare time and loves teaching the kids how things work. They value time together as a family and taking care of the environment.
The Rhodes Family Culture: the outdoors, togetherness, an active lifestyle, respect, and taking care of the environment.
Why Family Culture is Important
Years ago Nurture Shock shared an interesting fact about sibling rivalry… it isn’t how often your children fight that determines the quality of their relationship, but how often they have fun and meaningful moments together.
Families are the same.
“The dust-ups that dot other days don’t disappear; they’re just overshadowed. That’s a common theme in happy families, I now realized.
All families have conflict; strong families have enough communal high points to outshine the low ones.” Secrets of Happy Families
All in all, the reason family culture is so important is that it makes up the little moments.
How you value family members, how you deal with conflict, how you respond with love while disciplining, and the rest of your normal Mom Jobs all make up your family culture.
It’s the little moments that matter…
The goal is not to reach for Grand Gestures or High Heights, but to capitalize on and emphasize the normal moments of family life that matter.
Furthermore, you don’t necessarily need to do more things, you just need to emphasize and repeat the things you already do and love.
Family life shouldn’t feel like a constant race. This workshop helps you build a balanced, sustainable pace that handles responsibilities while making space for rest, connection, and what really matters.
The Norman Family (us) like to talk. We like to be loud and kinda wild and laugh a lot. We like to play outside, swim, and get muddy or sandy.
Also, we like to take trips, stay in hotels, and eat queso dip at Mexican restaurants. We like reading books, hearing daddy’s scary Bible stories, and having big family roughhousing and cuddling times.
“Activities that give us durable happiness are the ones we have a hand in creating.
We don’t just sit back and receive pleasure (fun with family, etc.). We actually generate the pleasure ourselves.” Secrets of Happy Families
50+ Life Skills (By Age!)
Check off critical household, social, and hygiene skills for your child so they’re prepared (not petrified) of growing up!
3 Ways to Create a Strong Family Culture
Luckily, once you’ve figured out the parts of your family culture and identity you already have… the rest is easy peasy.
You may look at your current family culture and want to add a few traditions or rituals here or there, and that’s great, but remember it’s the normal everyday things of life that your children will remember.
1) Make it visual
Use the editable printable I created and write out your family mottos, values, or traditions then hang it up! When your child exhibits a behavior that’s consistent with your family’s values and cultures point it out.
Don’t be afraid to be cheesy and “over the top.”
Make your home a place that showcases your values and family life. Hang up the kids’ pictures, display art you believe in or quotes and Bible verses that are an encouragement to you.
In the same way countries fly flags, display your values in pride.
You and your co-parent (spouse, ex, step, etc.) won’t always see eye to eye—but that doesn’t mean parenting has to feel like a constant battle. This workshop will help you communicate clearly, find common ground, and handle disagreements without drama, so you can focus on raising great kids instead of fighting over the details. Because parenting differences are normal, but constant conflict doesn’t have to be.
3) Reinforce your family culture by elaboration and repetition
When you know the rituals, traditions, and values your family has, be sure to talk about them often.
This helps children feel a sense of security and belonging and makes the family unit something to be proud of. Also, one of my favorite things to say is this…
“Our family…”
I place “our family” in front of these values and say them on repeat…
is kind to one another.
loves books.
doesn’t leave anyone out.
rude people don’t get rewards.
loves the beach.
loves watching movies together.
Now, I’m not saying the kids are always kind or that they want to read books or they include each other all the time, but I try to communicate the things we value with “our family.”
In fact… when my kids are mad… this is one of their all-time biggest insults.
“You’re not in the family!!!!!!!!!!”
50+ Life Skills (By Age!)
Check off critical household, social, and hygiene skills for your child so they’re prepared (not petrified) of growing up!
Family Culture Series
Post 1: Family Culture: An Ultimate Guide To Building Strong Families (you are here)
Firstly, you may find you want to add a few routines or rituals to your family life. Likewise, you might see some rituals or habits your family does you don’t believe in.
This will happen.
The idea is not to give yourself a bunch of To-Do’s, but to figure out what is at the core your family.
You’ll want to pin point what you believe in, what you like to spend time doing, and how you want your family to be characterized.
“If you want to have a happier family, find some family members, make some time, and play.”Secrets of Happy Families
Let’s keep it simple…
In my quest to strengthen our own family culture and help you strengthen yours, I made a beautifully functional Family Culture Pack for you.
Use it to brainstorm your family values, then edit the template and print your own family values to frame or hang on the fridge.
Furthermore, you can nail down the aspects of your family culture you already have and those that are lacking.
Begin locking in your own family culture today.
How do I make family values clear and ensure everyone feels connected to them?
Talk about them frequently! It can be simple to say things like: “We are a team!” “Team (last name) is…” and talk about the values that you hold highly with your kids often.
How can I involve my kids in shaping our family culture as they grow?
Have open conversations with your kids and ask questions to determine what you want your family culture to be like:
What makes us feel most connected as a family?
What do we want our family to be known for?
What are the top three things that matter most to us as a family?
Are you looking for Christmas things to do with the kids to pass the time? Here are some ways to get in the spirit!
Well you’ve gotten through Thanksgiving and are making your way to Christmas and…
Well…
Sometimes, having all the kids at home during the day means you need to find some Christmas things to do to pass the time.
You don’t have to sit the kids in front of the TV to get peace, try these things together as a family.
Strong family cultures aren’t by accident, they come by making purposeful choices that everyone remembers.
Start some new family traditions this year, carry on some old ones, and have an awesome time with this Christmas.
Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Plan 🕯️
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Christmas Things To Do With Your Family
There are tons of things you can do with your family, take one down and pass it around. You’re sure to find some memory making ideas to bring the family together during this special season!
After all, what’s better than family memories in the making?
Get your FREE Jesus Storybook Advent plan AND a mama advent reading plan as well 🙂 !
Things To Do Around Town
Depending on where you live, of course, there may be tons of things to do in your area.
If you’re like me, you enjoy the holiday time because It’s easier to get out and about- without worrying about homework or other school related functions.
Undoubtably, your kids will enjoy some time around the town! Even if you’re from a smaller area (like I am), there are still likely a lot to be done.
Drive around and look at Christmas lights.
In neighborhoods with adequate sidewalks, take walks so you can see the lights closer up at a nicer pace.
Drive for dessert and warm festive drinks at a local coffee shop.
Go Christmas shopping together as a family to pick out gifts for family friends or relatives.
Find out when the tree lightings are in your area (or surrounding area) and put them on the calendar.
Sign and address your Christmas cards then mail them out.
Things To Do With Friends & Family
Without a doubt, Christmas is a time to bring friends and family together. It’s a great season to see what common interests you may have and share some fun times together.
Furthermore, you may discoverjoy in working with friends and family to give back to your community.
Have a game night. Order pizza, get fizzy drinks, and break out awesome board games.
Go caroling. I have wanted to do this with the kids for-ev-er. Practice a few popular songs and go to your friends and family’s doors and sing!
Go ice skating. Is there a rink near you? Go with the family for a skate.
See Santa at a local mall or store.
Go see the Nutcracker Ballet. I do this every year with my daughter.
Thoughtful Christmas Activities
What better way to remember the reason for the season than to share some thoughtful Christmas activities with your friends and family?
In the same way, they will treasure the memories made with you!
Do an advent activity together each night, whether reading a Bible verse or a book.
Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or outreach event.
Go to your church’s Christmas events and participate.
Organize a gift exchange between your friends or family.
Hang up mistletoe at home (or in public!) and kiss under it.
Things To Do Outside
Although it can be more challenging to plan outside activities with friends and family, it’s often more than worth it! Let’s face it, kids love being outside…and it’s good for them!
So, if you’re ready to go outside, you’ll love these.
Go sledding. Okay, I’m in Florida, we have 75 degree Christmases.. but if you have the fortune of snow, take advantage.
Have a snowball fight. It can be organized or not impromptu. Or… organized by mom and impromptu for the kids. 🙂
Decorate your house with Christmas lights and blow up things or whatever suits your fancy.
Set up a stand in your neighborhood or town and give away free hot chocolate.
Go to a tree farm and cut down your own Christmas tree. Did you know, you can also replant them?
Gift Related Activities
Without a doubt, most kids will tell you their favorite part of Christmas is getting their Christmas gifts.
As a family, it’s nice to access that love of gifting and create some actives around that. Now, here are some great present related activities.
Wrap Christmas presents together.
Go shopping together to get gifts for loved ones.
Stuff the kids’ stockings with awesome little things as soon as they go to bed. Maybe wrap them up in individually in case they take a peek.
Take a family photo together and get it printed out on a canvas to bring out each year at Christmas.
Crafty Things To Do At Christmas
For some, there’s just something about the Christmas season that brings out craftiness. If this is you, plan actives with your family that incorporate craftiness.
As a result, your kids may carry on your craftiness with you.
What are some Christmas activities to do with a toddler?
Involve them in whatever you’re doing as long as it’s safe! Let them help in the kitchen, get them involved with Christmas crafts, read an advent book for kids (like this one), visit Santa, etc. Get creative and modify the activities listed above when needed!
How do we make time for special activities when the holiday season is so busy?
Before the holiday season begins, plan out the activities that you want to do and put them on the calendar. If that means saying no to other things, do it if it’s important to you. Invite family members and friends to come with you for the Christmas activities and keep your expectations realistic.
What can we do to break up the day when everyone feels restless?
Break up your day into segments using naps or rest time and snack/meal times. Then, plan one simple activity for the morning and one for the afternoon so that there is something on the agenda. For the in-between times, encourage independent play by rotating in Christmasy toys, books, etc.
If you are looking for unique and child friendly family Christmas traditions then this is for you.
While it is nice to give and bless others, the financial expenditures and exhaustive organizing that come with the holiday season can be daunting and stressful.
Instead of worrying about family togetherness and bonding, we’re worried about how much to spend on each person.
There’s a better way!
Why not start or continue some family Christmas traditions that are easy, inexpensive, and don’t require tons of planning and organizing?
Or, if they do require organizing, at least it’s the type of organizing that feels worth it in the end. If you know what I mean!
Personally, as the years go by I am learning to steer away from things that seem to take a lot of time and effort, but never seem to be worth it.
I know that list is completely individual and different for every family. Still, it’s such a relief to feel that you’ve spent your time in the best way possible.
Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Plan 🕯️
Get your FREE Jesus Storybook Advent plan AND a mama advent reading plan as well 🙂 !
Family Christmas Traditions Everyone Will Enjoy
Without further ado, here are my top five ideas for unique family (and friend) Christmas traditions.
I hope it gets your mind whirling with possibilities.
Santa Limbo | Put a pillow under our shirt like Santa and have a limbo competition to Christmas music
Charades | You can print out a list of Christmas terms to act out. Get some here.
Stocking Guessing Game | Put random things in the stocking and have everyone feel and guess.
Decorate a person as a Christmas tree
Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Plan 🕯️
Get your FREE Jesus Storybook Advent plan AND a mama advent reading plan as well 🙂 !
2. DIY Christmas crackers for the big day meal
I’ve lived in both the UK and Australia and I will attest to the fun and tradition of the table cracker.
No, not the type of crackers you put on cheese, but the kind that two people pull apart together filled with goodies.
You can do it as a craft with the kids or by yourself as you listen to some Christmas music. Honestly, it’s something fun, easy, and inexpensive to do together that can even double as table decoration.
Also, you can buy them inexpensively.
3. Sleepover movie nights
If you do family movie nights each week (like we do!) then watching Christmas movies is a no brainer.
I say do one of these every Friday throughout the whole month of December!
Make popcorn (or your favorite desert) and snuggle up on the couch with the family and friends to watch the best of the best Christmas movies.
Family life shouldn’t feel like a blur of to-do lists that leave you wondering if the memories are even sticking. This workshop helps you define your family’s core values and create simple, meaningful traditions that bring everyone closer without adding pressure.
Most are free and it’ll be like an entire day or evening of Christmas festivities. You may even want to catch two or three in one year… if you’re a super duper Christmas lover.
50+ Connection Questions
Pull out these fun connecting questions to share some laughs with your precious ones!
Use them at:
meal times, car rides, as a “calm down” trick, for dinner time conversation, or any time the day is getting chaotic or you need a reset to connect.
6. Look At Christmas Lights
If there aren’t a lot of lights in your own neighborhood, go scour your area to find the places that have the best lights.
It’s worth driving an hour or two if you can find a Christmas village of sorts that lets you walk around in it.
Kids love this!
7. A Themed Christmas Eve
A friend just told me that on Christmas Eve, they always have a theme.
Star Wars
Nerf Wars
Christmas sweaters
You name it, doesn’t matter.
Think of a theme, and everyone can dress up and play it up. It makes the day before Christmas something to really look forward to.
Bring them out once a year and they will be far more interesting to the kids.
Truly, you’ll love the nostalgic feel of reading these books together.
101+ 15 Minute Projects
In just 15 minutes a night (while you’re in your pajamas!) take your home (and heart and mind) from stressed out to organized.
9. Go Caroling With The Kids
Teach the kids a few songs they will be able to learn well, and go caroling in your neighborhood.
Okay, okay, if you don’t really know the neighbors or your kids will get embarrassed in front of strangers, sing to family members and friends! Nursing homes are usually open to welcoming carolers if you are looking for a warm place to spread Christmas cheer!
10. Decorate Gingerbread Houses
Whether you want to make it all from scratch or buy a kit, do Gingerbread houses some time during the holiday season. You can buy easy kits from the store or work together in the kitchen!
11. Christmas Eve Boxes
Get a box for each family member and then – for Christmas Eve – bring it out to open. The idea behind Christmas Eve boxes are that you fill them with inexpensive sentimental and family bonding gifts. The whole family will enjoy their time together opening these gifts year after year!
How do I know which activities my family will enjoy?
If your kids are old enough, have them help you choose the activities you make into Christmas traditions. Then, they will be excited and bought into the activities that you do together as a family. If your kids are young, they will enjoy the activities you choose because they will become part of your family traditions you will do together.
What is the goal of choosing holiday traditions?
Family togetherness, spending time together, bonding, creating memories. These are the ultimate goal, so the traditions you choose don’t matter as much as if they bring your family together.
How can I make the holidays special for my family?
Traditions that become set apart activities that are only done this time of year make the holidays special. They create a sense of nostalgia and anticipation but ultimately remembering and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas with people you love makes the holidays special.
How can I choose Christmas traditions without feeling overwhelmed?
Start small! Choose a couple of things that you want to add this year and then evaluate if you want to keep them as traditions. Focus on finding ways to enjoy the season with your family and connecting with your kids over choosing the “perfect” traditions.
Here are some fun, easy, and simple fall family traditions that help everyone enjoy spending time together, outside and in.
Fall is a season where family traditions can be made and time can be spent together in full
Coming from the laid back summer vibe, Fall is often ridiculously busy and stressful, particularly with the lead up to the holidays.
Furthermore, as a mother of multiple young children … your days are busy! But, are they full?
Busy VS. Full
Busy (adj.): having a great deal to do
Full (adj.): abundant, well-supplied, filled or rounded out.
Fall = Constant school runs, sports practices, games, events, shopping, holidays, and the list goes on and on…
Have a full fall season, not a busy one.
Think of it this way, having a full life is about purposefully filling your days with things that will have a lasting effect, like family togetherness.
For example, one family weekend might make your life more full than three months of after-school soccer or karate.
Outdoor Fall activities for the whole family
There’s something special about the smell of dry leaves and the ting of crispy air on your cheeks. It’s the kind of things that make a busy day full!
As a rule, take the family outside and start some Fall traditions the everyone will love!
Family life shouldn’t feel like a constant race. This workshop helps you build a balanced, sustainable pace that handles responsibilities while making space for rest, connection, and what really matters.
Pull out these fun connecting questions to share some laughs with your precious ones!
Use them at:
meal times, car rides, as a “calm down” trick, for dinner time conversation, or any time the day is getting chaotic or you need a reset to connect.
Fall baking recipes even kids can make
Family traditions are often brought together by tasty food. What better way to do this than to include some Fall themed recipes that even the kids can make?
Everyone is sure to love these Fall family traditions!
Family life shouldn’t feel like a blur of to-do lists that leave you wondering if the memories are even sticking. This workshop helps you define your family’s core values and create simple, meaningful traditions that bring everyone closer without adding pressure.
Whether you want to create your own fun scavenger hunt, or you prefer to shop around for a pre-made game, you’ll be sure to enjoy these Fall scavenger game ideas!
Equipping parents with a simple, consistent approach to teaching and reinforcing good manners so that their child naturally incorporates polite behavior into daily life.
Fall time is one of my favorite times to take family photos! It seems like the colors, the vibe, and the look is just what I want to remember.
Hope you find some good ideas for your next family photoshoot below…
Playing in a pile of leaves
Strolling together down a path
Picking pumpkins
Wearing matching flannel shirts
Sitting in the back of an antique truck
Standing on a bridge
Beside a barn door or wall
In a corn field
Under a tree with Fall colored leaves
On a picnic blanket
Swinging in the park
Sitting on an old crate or bail of hay
Wearing matching boots
Dressed in matching fall colors
50+ Connection Questions
Pull out these fun connecting questions to share some laughs with your precious ones!
Use them at:
meal times, car rides, as a “calm down” trick, for dinner time conversation, or any time the day is getting chaotic or you need a reset to connect.
Making Fall Family Traditions that Everyone will Love…
In my time as a mother, I have never regretted purposefully filling my days with things that bring family togetherness and have a lasting effect.
I am excited about creating some Fall family traditions this year that everyone will love!
How can I make sure my fall season is full and not busy?
We live in a time where we have more options to be involved in things than ever before. In each season, determine what you want your priorities to be and where you want to invest your time before saying yes to all of the things. Once you have your family’s vision, then you can fill in extra things into your schedule if you want – the key here is to be proactive and mindful instead of reactive. I truly think there is an art behind creating blocks of time on our calendars that are reserved for connecting as a family, which helps create a full season and keeps busyness at bay.e
How do I establish and maintain consistency in our fall traditions over the years?
The beauty of creating fall traditions is that you can choose to continue the ones you love and leave the ones you don’t. Try some different fall activities and continue doing the ones your family loves throughout the years and adapt them as your kids grow. Start small and grow your seasonal traditions over the years.
What role can storytelling and sharing family history play in our fall traditions?
When you share stories about family members and past fall traditions, you create a sense of continuity and shared history. This strengthens the bond among family members and makes the traditions more meaningful. For example, sharing the story of why a particular recipe is made every year or the origin of a cherished decoration can make these traditions more significant. Add in storytelling (or create new stories together) wherever you can!
How can we focus on gratitude during the Fall season?
How to do hygge as a family and make your home more homey both for you and your precious family.
3 countries.
3 continents.
3 babies.
That’s right… I’ve been around the block.
One of the joys of traveling and meeting people from other cultures? Learning new ways of doing things. It’s easy to go from thinking there is One Way to do something (the way we do it here in the US) to seeing there are Multiple Ways to do everything.
It’s both freeing and exciting. There’s less pressure to be perfect and you can rest easy knowing there’s no one way to parent, for example.
After all… kids all over the world are growing up into responsible considerate and bright young adults.
But happy?
Well… that’s an issue here in the US. In recent years kids are at home less, more busy with extra curriculars (because parents have FOOKMO in lieu of FOMO), and are being diagnosed with mental disorders like anxiety and depression at unprecedented levels.
But not so in Denmark.
And why is this, you ask? I shall tell you. According to the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, Danes are the happiest people in the world and it’s all because of one word.
There are tons of ways to do hygge as a family, but here are a few of the easiest and most handy ways if you have babies, toddlers, or preschoolers.
Plan Your Year Checklist
Want to spend a few hours preparing for the WHOLE YEAR ahead? Yes, yes it’s possible. Print and plan away.
Make It A Point, Not An Accident
First off, hygge will not come as naturally as you think. With the demands of homework, housework, and our to do list, it can get squeezed out entirely.
You, the adult, will have to decide you want a hyggeligt evening and purposefully block out distractions and competing interests.
You might have to block out an hour or two a few times a week to fit it in at first. Or you may already embrace hygge in the evening and, if so, well done!
Family life shouldn’t feel like a constant race. This workshop helps you build a balanced, sustainable pace that handles responsibilities while making space for rest, connection, and what really matters.
One major element of hygge is comfort. This means everyone won’t want to sit on a hard floor to play a board game. Lay down pallets, pillows, blankets and even stuffed animals.
For our Saturday night movie nights (here are some tips on having movie night with your tiny ones) we lay out 5 or 6 blankets on top of the carpet and then add pillows.
The kids associate this pallet with movie night and it adds a layer of comfort. No one strays far from the pallet throughout the entire movie. It is a gathering place.
Adjust Lighting
In the Little Hygge Book, lighting is mentioned over and over and over. It says that warm lighting in small pockets throughout the house are much preferable for hygge than a big bright fluorescent light.
The book mentions candles more times than I could count. Candles are the perfect way to create an atmosphere of peace and calm.
If you are worried about candles with your little ones, below are some battery powered candles. Not *exactly* the same thing, but you know they won’t result in a hot wax burn.
Plan Your Year Checklist
Want to spend a few hours preparing for the WHOLE YEAR ahead? Yes, yes it’s possible. Print and plan away.
Go Phone Free
We all know the phone is a major source of distraction. It pulls us to the “urgent” which really isn’t all that urgent and we are left feeling blah, empty, and guilty for the time it took us away from our loved ones. If you’re going to have a hyggeligt evening then phones, tablets, and computers go away.
The book says movies are allowed, particularly if you’ve seen them before, because they are bonding moments for the entire family to share.
Make it a habit to turn off your phone or, do what I do, and try to keep it in another end of the house during your evenings.
Family life shouldn’t feel like a blur of to-do lists that leave you wondering if the memories are even sticking. This workshop helps you define your family’s core values and create simple, meaningful traditions that bring everyone closer without adding pressure.
One of the big goals of a hygge evening is to bond with people. Your family are your people and to maximize the time together, focus on them. Be present. Listen, ask question, give answers, just be.
Without trying to modify their thoughts, behavior, or moods. Without trying to manage the entire situation, just relax and enjoy your family.
It is easy to say, harder to do. These moments with family are what kids will remember. Here are some tips on really being present with your kids.
Plan Your Year Checklist
Want to spend a few hours preparing for the WHOLE YEAR ahead? Yes, yes it’s possible. Print and plan away.
Cook Together
According to the book, the longer it takes to cook, the better. Hygge foods are stews, soups, comfort food and – not to be forgotten – cake. Hygge time sets aside the normal dietary restrictions and lets you embrace what you love.
What tastes good. What is fun to cook and what is handmade. So rustic food is better than prissy food.
Chunky and hearty snacks or sweets are better than quiches, souffles, and macaroons. The goal is easy comfort.
Play Board Games
An excellent way to bond over shared activities is board games. When your children are very small this is hard to do, but there are still some board games (two I’ve shown below) that preschoolers can play.
The author says he and his friends get together once a year to play Axis and Allies, a game which can last 14 hours. Friends sharing food, warm drinks, and a long board game creates epic memories for years to come.
You and your co-parent (spouse, ex, step, etc.) won’t always see eye to eye—but that doesn’t mean parenting has to feel like a constant battle. This workshop will help you communicate clearly, find common ground, and handle disagreements without drama, so you can focus on raising great kids instead of fighting over the details. Because parenting differences are normal, but constant conflict doesn’t have to be.
Hygge seeks to elicit warm fuzzy feelings. What better than crawling up on the couch with a hot chocolate and look at your kids’ baby photos with them?
Mine LOVE seeing themselves and their siblings as babies. This is a great way to get the oxytocin flowing in everyone.
You’ll remember things you haven’t thought of in months or years, and the kids will be able to see where they’ve come from and how they got to where they are now. Growing up I spent HOURS looking through my mother’s old yearbooks for this very reason… it felt homey.
Weary Comfy Clothes
You won’t have a very hyggeligt evening in tight or restrictive clothes. If you have guests, you may want to nix the pajamas, but for hygge as a family, change into pajamas, sweats, yoga pants, and comfortable socks or slippers so you feel at home and relaxed.
The author mentions woolen socks (they are in Denmark, after all, which is not known for its weather) for their comfort level. I have started wearing soft robes each evening because it feels nice, cozy, and slightly prettier than my basic pj’s.
After a bath, when everyone has wet hair, is a perfect time to cozy up for some hygge.
Plan Your Year Checklist
Want to spend a few hours preparing for the WHOLE YEAR ahead? Yes, yes it’s possible. Print and plan away.
Have Hot Drinks
There’s nothing like a hot (or warm) drink to make an environment cozy. For your little ones you can warm milk and put in some melted chocolate or use a hot cocoa powder, Kids love chocolate milk! Mulled cider, coffee, and tea are also great alternatives.
The idea of being warm and comforted is key with hygge so a cold La Croix (my personal favorite) is not really the way to cozy up. You can make drinks on the stove or in the crock pot and making the drink itself is a great way to have a hyggeligt evening.
Put Away the Agenda
Unless the agenda is to have a hyggeligt evening, put away the agenda. It’s not the time to talk about what behaviors your children have been doing you don’t like.
It’s not the time to bring up evenings or situations that cause them anxiety, it’s a time to be as a family. Follow your kids’ flow. If they want more board games, more board games. If they are enjoying lying with you on the couch or your bed reading books, continue that.
Doing hygge as a family has but a few goals.
To make kids feel safe and secure.
To create a homey and cozy atmosphere.
To bond as a family.
How you do it is up to you, but I encourage you to do it!
How can I have a hygge evening without feeling overwhelmed with planning it?
Don’t over think it. Think of having a cozy evening with your family – what would you include, eat, drink, do? Keep quality family time at the center and create an environment to facilitate that.
Where do I start with planning a hygge evening with my family?
Think about the season you’re currently in and plan around that. For example, if it’s Fall, you could include warm apple cider, a fall movie, pumpkin cinnamon rolls for breakfast, a soup for dinner, etc. Play into the season of the year to make hygge planning easier and more festive!
Inside: If you have kiddos and want some age-appropriate ways to ring in the New Year, here are some kid friendly New Years Eve ideas.
Last year was the first year my older kids stayed up until midnight.
So we’re giving it a go again this year!
Even if they tire out early, I’d still like us all to ring in the New Year together and celebrate as a family. Or… at least not let the holiday go by completely uncelebrated just because the kids seemed too young.
Life before kids looks different than life after kids, and I often find myself passing by holidays or activities of “yesteryear” because they don’t seem kid friendly.
Instead, this year I’d like to start incorporating the kids into the things I used to do.
Plan Your Year Checklist
Want to spend a few hours preparing for the WHOLE YEAR ahead? Yes, yes it’s possible. Print and plan away.
Awesomely Simple (Kid-Friendly) New Year’s Eve Ideas
So without further ado, separated into general categories, here are some ways you can celebrate both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s with the kiddos in tow.
You can try these…. even if you hit the sack at 9 pm (like the rest of us tired mamas.)
Looking back at last year and forward to next year
From my experience, kid’s love looking back and revisiting memories. Likewise, it’s a good skill to be thinking about the future. You can combine both of these activities and make a fun kid’s friendly New Year’s Eve.
Look through old photo albums or pictures of special events throughout the year
Remember favorite games and toys
Fill out a printable with prompts from the past year (like this or this)
Fill out a printable with goals and hopes for next year(like this or this)
Watch family videos and from months past
Make a yearly video and ask the same questions to each child every year to document changes
Put up a white board in the party room so people can write down memories or next year’s goals
Gather an old branch, put it in a vase, then cut out blank leaves. People can write their best memories from the year or hopes for the next then tie them to the tree.
Family life shouldn’t feel like a blur of to-do lists that leave you wondering if the memories are even sticking. This workshop helps you define your family’s core values and create simple, meaningful traditions that bring everyone closer without adding pressure.
Kid Friendly New Year’s Eve Cooking and Eating Ideas
Having a kid friendly New Year’s Eve cooking or eating activity is a great way to spend some quality time together. The things that you will do together during this time will be great memories for their future!
Have special “fizzy drinks” for the small ones, like sparkling grape juice. You can add Sprite to any juice and get a Sparkling Something for the little ones.
Get fancy cups and make fun drink labels or print them out (like these.)
Have easy and accessible appetizers at your children’s level. Ones that won’t make a huge mess (like melted chocolate) if they get dragged around the house.
Set up a chocolate fountain or hot chocolate station, but be sure to supervise and/or put away when you are going to be otherwise occupied.
Make food that can sit in crock pots so it’s warm all evening long. There are a lot of dips (like Rotel dip, for example) that will last a long time.
Have lots of chips and dip, veggie slices, and things that are easy for kids to eat.
Countdown Ideas For Kid New Year’s Eve
Try these fun ideas to make some great memories and share this time with the kids!
Write the time on balloons and pop one every 30 minutes or hour to build anticipation.
For small kids, choose another time zone a few hours ahead of your own to countdown.
Make simple goody bags to open at set intervals throughout the night. For example, on the hour every hour.
Make some type of food and write the hour on it(with icing or condiments) to be eaten every hour on the hour. It could be cupcakes or sugar cookies.
Every hour on the hour turn off the lights, turn on a song, and light glow sticks and dance.
This workshop will give you a simple, sanity-saving bedtime system that actually works—one that helps your kids wind down, fall asleep without endless stalling, and stay asleep (so you can finally get some rest).
Traditions from Around the World To Do With Your Kids On NYE
If you’re like me, you love the idea of raising “cultured kids.” Celebrating New Year’s Eve with your kids can turn into a fun teaching moment. What better way to do this than with a fun experience together?
Eat black eyed peas on New Year’s Day (a Southern tradition).
Eat 12 grapes at midnight – one at each bell strike – for the year’s prosperity (Spanish tradition).
Make little piggies out of Marzipan to give away (German tradition, see here).
At exactly midnight, step forward with your right foot to start the year off… right (Argentina).
Stand on a chair and jump down from it as the clock strikes midnight (Denmark tradition).
Plan Your Year Checklist
Want to spend a few hours preparing for the WHOLE YEAR ahead? Yes, yes it’s possible. Print and plan away.
Miscellaneous Kid Friendly New Year’s Eve Party Ideas
Pick an easy activity of the list below to have a fun kid friendly New Year’s Eve celebration!
Create a fun photo backdrop and take goofy pictures with the year.
Make some DIY noise makers to amp up the excitement (like this or this)
Have some fun with sparklers(here’s how to take cool sparkler photos)
For easy noise making, bang pots and pans at midnight.
Redecorate the Christmas tree for New Years with streamers and shiny banners.
Have a balloon drop at midnight.
Put on your favorite songs, dance, eat, and be present with each other.
Happy New Year, friend!
What role can my kids play in planning for New Year’s Eve?
If your kids are old enough, ask them to help plan the snacks and activities for your New Year’s Eve bash. Incorporate their favorite things, ask them to help make some homemade decorations, and plan the activities.
How can we create New Year’s Eve traditions?
A tradition is just doing the same activity at the same times. So, pick some of your favorite things (snacks, games, decorations, people) and incorporate them into your NYE. Then, evaluate what you liked and didn’t like when planning for the next year. Don’t be afraid to change things that you didn’t like and incorporate new things as your kids grow!
