How do you create a family holiday? July 14 is Bastille Day, a French holiday that celebrates the beginning of the French revolution and represents victory and unity for the French people. What in the world does that have to do with creating a family holiday? Let me explain. My Dad officially adopted my sister and me on July 14, 1988. As a way for us to commemorate our unity and love for each other, he claimed it was our “Bastille Day,” and it symbolized the beginning of our family’s very personal, made-up holiday. The day when two girls were liberated by the adoption of a loving man and their revolutionary new lives began!
Create Your Family Holiday
Is there an event in your family that could become your own holiday? What creative ways could symbolize your day? Get together and share your memories, create “your day” gifts, favorite foods, or symbol. Each event will be absolutely unique to your family.
Create a celebration day in the life of your family. My Dad has passed away but my sister and I still recognize Bastille Day. We share memories of the man who saved us with his love and willingness to call us his own. He had a great sense of humor and loved those little cherry cigars called Swisher Sweets Cigarillos. Sometimes a certain scent will send me to the sweet memory of him with that tiny cigar.
What special way could you promote your family’s memories? For more ideas, check out this link from Focus on the Family. Also, make memories in creative activities. See my ideas in my Grow Gracious Families post.