A Book of Traditions

By Ralphie Jacobs


Aren’t traditions wonderful?  They are the fabric of a family.  They are the ties that bind.  

Traditions make a family feel like a unique entity, separate from the outside world. Children welcome them with open arms because they bring the magic and joy to our everyday lives.

But, have you ever thought about writing them down?

There is something about taking a pen to paper that makes a big impression.  It’s suddenly official and permanent.  What you write becomes a truth, constant and comforting. Putting traditions into a  book is the perfect way to honor them.

Our book of traditions on the outside appears as a red leather bound journal, but our journey in creating it has built our family culture deliberately.  

Each family should create a book that reflects their makeup and purpose.  Here is a list of our book’s contents to help give you a starting point:

1. Our family song. 
This could also be a family cheer or motto.  

2. Our family laws.
This is a short list of laws written in the positive form, such as “be respectful”.

3. Favorite scriptures.
Each year we pick a scripture or two to memorize.

4. Favorite quotes.
When my children or I have the opportunity to memorize a quote, we write it down.

5. Monthly traditions.
Each month of the year is displayed, with family traditions written and illustrated.

6. Value traditions.
When we teach a value, we like to have traditions associated with them, such as picking up trash for the value respect.

7. Lived list.
These are things that we have done as a family that were exciting or unique.  It can also be goals accomplished.

8. Roots.
Printouts or hand-written stories ancestors that give the children identity.  

So what makes your family unique?
How do you make those traditions permanent in your family?

{Hop on over to @simplyonpurpose on Instagram to enter a GIVEAWAY for a free leather bound journal to start your own book of traditions.}