Make your own unique family traditions (without just copying Instagram)

A quick search for #familytraditions on social media swiftly conjures up elaborately decorated homes, coordinated outfits and an atmosphere of seemingly unwavering togetherness. Yet while it might be natural to yearn for those traditions that seem to define other families' experiences, those that truly stick with us are not necessarily Instagram-worthy moments, but the ones that are most authentically "us".

Here we explore how to create and preserve unique family traditions that stand the test of time – not for social media kudos but for the genuine connections and lasting memories they forge.

The benefits of creating family traditions

Meaningful family traditions vary, but this enduring human practice echoes through the ages because they benefit the wellbeing of the family in a number of ways. A 50-year review published in the American Psychological Association's Journal of Family Psychology suggests that heartfelt family traditions are associated with closer family relationships, achieved by building stronger ties.

The same study also found that family traditions give a sense of security and continuity during times of stress and transition. This is particularly important for blended families, as 2021 research indicates that establishing family traditions helps form a new family identity, creating a sense of belonging through change. 

Elsewhere, these rituals have also been proven to boost children's physical health and cognitive development, while research from Emory University also suggests that those children with a strong knowledge of their family's history and traditions tend to have higher self-esteem, lower anxiety and increased resilience.

How to create unique family traditions

Moving away from the picture-perfect occasions showcased online, the art of starting new family traditions should be a deeply personal endeavour. It should reflect your family's values and interests rather than be intended for social media validation. 

Begin by listing the things that truly matter to your family, perhaps a fondness for nature, a passion for sports and games, or a love of great food. Brainstorm activities that incorporate these elements and involve every generation in this creative process. Grandparents can share stories, uncles and aunts can contribute their skills and children can bring their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the table.  

Here are some ideas for traditions to start with your family.

Family traditions for nature lovers

• Take seasonal nature walks, focusing on the changes in plants, wildlife and the environment.

• Plant a family tree or special plant to mark significant milestones in your family.

• Organise a family picnic in a beloved natural spot or your own back garden. 

Foodie family tradition ideas

• Organise "pot luck" nights, where each person prepares a dish, or you can take it in turns to choose a themed cuisine. 

• Visit a local food festival together and commit to trying new foods. 

• Create a "mystery meal challenge" in which you gather a selection of randomly selected items from the fridge and cupboard and commit to making a meal together using only those ingredients.

Family traditions for music lovers

• Start a kitchen disco playlist where everyone contributes their favourite tracks to dance to as a family. 

• Attend live music or open mic nights together to discover new artists. 

• Learn new instruments together: this could involve each family member. learning a different instrument to create a family ensemble or older family members teaching younger ones to master their chosen instruments. 

Family traditions for travelbugs

• Collect postcards from every destination you visit and compile them into a scrapbook to look back on as a family bonding activity. 

• Plan “armchair travel” nights, where your family explores a new culture through books, foods and documentaries.

• Start a family tradition of visiting the same special place each year. On each trip, you can enjoy your favourite activities or explore new restaurants and exciting excursions.

Remember: ideas for family traditions can come from unexpected places: a recurring in-joke, a memorable phrase your child once uttered or a spontaneous activity you enjoyed together and would love to repeat. For example, turn that famous water fight into an annual family tradition, or put on every hat in your house like your child once did to eat dinner. 

Traditions to start with family throughout the year

Next, consider the special dates in your calendar and when you can get everyone together to participate in your fun family tradition. 

Here are some family tradition ideas based around holidays and special occasions. 

Christmas Eve tradition ideas

• Start a decoration exchange with a twist where everyone makes a unique Christmas tree ornament based on a special family photo or an object representing something significant about their year.

• Make a reverse advent calendar, in which you gather 24 useful items, such as toothbrushes, warm socks or gloves, to donate to a local homeless shelter. 

• Create a gingerbread biscuit station with writing icing and sprinkles so your child can decorate a special treat for Santa.

Birthday tradition ideas

• Leave happy birthday messages around the house on Post-it notes so your family members can feel special when they brush their teeth, pour out cereal, or hit the pillow after a day of celebration.

• Create a birthday time capsule containing photos, prints of your loved one's hands and feet, letters and other ephemera representing the highlights of their year and how much they've grown in the past 12 months.

• Give each family member a compliment for every year of their age. Write these down in a journal so they can keep them for whenever they need a self-esteem boost.

Anniversary tradition ideas

• For couples celebrating important anniversaries, recreate your first date or eat the dessert you picked for your wedding day. Make a point of looking back on the good times you shared and bringing these experiences, at least in part, to the life you share today.

• Embark on an anniversary adventure together where you try something new, like taking a trip to a theme park, attending a pottery class, anything that involves you stepping out of your routine and sharing a novel experience.

• For more sombre anniversaries, such as the passing of a loved one, take part in an activity they loved or prepare their favourite drink or dish to help you connect with their memory in a subtle but meaningful way.  

New Year’s Eve tradition ideas

• Gather your family together to make predictions about the year ahead and compile them on a bingo card. These could be predictions about world events or milestones and achievements you're working towards as a family. 

• Set up new year countdown challenges for each family member to complete. These are fun, 10-second tasks you can do at various points in the evening, such as decorating a cupcake, putting up decorations or blowing up a party balloon. 

• Create a list of reverse new year's resolutions, where each family member comes up with things they want to do more of in the coming year rather than change about themselves. Use this simple family tradition idea to reflect on the positive interests and routines you've established and embrace those continuing joys and passions in the new year. 

Keeping family traditions alive through photography

Documenting and preserving your valued family traditions through photos can help keep them alive – not for the fleeting approval of others, but for the enduring warmth of family connection. 

Don't worry about creating heavily orchestrated photoshoots; the true value of these images is to capture the emotional moments that unfold while participating in these cherished family traditions. Think candid snapshots filled with laughter, shared glances and hugs alongside action shots of your relatives letting their guard down and living in the moment. 

Consider turning these photos into lasting keepsakes you can reflect on and share with your loved ones, such as Photo Calendars chronicling seasonal family traditions throughout the year. 

Or, if you have a whole series of photo memories, compile them into a dedicated Photo Book, complete with captions, dates and quotes from your family members. 

With its wide range of pre-designed templates and caption suggestions, the Popsa app can help you design your calendars and photo books in minutes. Our platform makes it easy to create tangible visual narratives that perfectly encapsulate the essence of your quirky traditions and how they strengthen your bonds as a family. 

Revisiting the visual records, whether you're near or far from loved ones, provides a simple yet profound way to reconnect to those all-important feelings of togetherness. They can also inspire others to create their own unique family traditions. With that in mind, we'd love to see your special family bonding experiences captured as Photo Books, Calendars, and other products from the Popsa range. 

Tag your creations with @Popsa on Instagram and share this article with family members keen to take you up on creating enduring family traditions for years to come.