Celebrate Holidays to Strengthen Family Relationships

​Momma baking special treats, laughter in the air, and a sense of expectation in every heart...holidays bring joy to life!

More than national celebrations, these special days can provide refreshment, strengthen family relationships, instill godly values in our children, and be celebrations of the goodness of God!

​Some holidays are truly holy days, set apart by Christians to celebrate God's grace. We can make every holiday holy, setting it apart and celebrating in a way that honors Christ.

​In addition to inviting Jesus to be part of our celebration, holidays can strengthen family relationships and foster a sense of identity as a family. 

​Simple traditions such as opening stockings on Christmas Eve, acting out the Holy Week story on Good Friday, or giving one another homemade Valentines on St. Valentine's Day sets a pattern that is unique to your own family. Children love to look forward to traditions year after year. 

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In addition to traditions, holidays are  a great time to just be together. ​Gather the family together for holidays and do the things you never have time to do in your family's busy life.

Play a game together. Hold hands and pray for one another. Write a family newsletter about the holiday to send as a greeting to friends and relatives. Tell each other what you appreciate about one another. Show affection and be silly together--laughter helps to cement relationships. Make special holiday treats and meals together.

​Come up with new ideas to celebrate together! Talk about your favorite holiday memories and make more.

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​"Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity," (Psalm 133:1 NASB).

Family unity is pleasing to God!

​Spending time together, celebrating with traditions, and forging closer bonds, creates family unity. 

What pleasure it gives our Heavenly Father to gaze upon our immediate and extended families, enjoying one another and showing affection to one another. It also blesses those participating in family unity in every way: spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Unity is a great thing and holidays help to foster this unity. Make sure everyone is included and feels part of the celebrations. 

​As you sit down to plan the holidays ahead, think about ways to strengthen family relationships. Then cover those plans with prayer. What wonderful times you can look forward to in the months and years ahead and your children will remember them long after you are home with Jesus. You can check out our celebration resources here. 

​Happy Celebrating!

Fondly, 
​Meredith Curtis

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