Here's a great way to get your children more involved in family traditions, whether it be national holidays, religious holy days, or culture-specific celebrations. Challenge your kids to research the origin, and thereby, evolution of the whichever the holiday of the season is. This a great exercise for older school-aged children, but if you have them make an oral presentation at a gathering for that same occasion, then younger children can learn as well as all who are present. Incorporating a factual account of history during the celebration, helps us stay rooted in our heritage since it's so easy to get caught up in the celebration itself. Therefore, all those wonderful family gatherings become more enriched and even more meaningful.

Your child's research efforts will be beneficial to him/her in many different ways. For religion-based holidays it's a perfect way to help introduce the concept of religion and spirituality, also allowing them to differentiate between the factual basis and the commercialized elements of such holidays that are purely folk such as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Also, there are countless cultural celebrations that will earn your kids pride and interest in who they are and where they've come from as a people by doing the reports. Remember, "cultural" can be anything from geographical customs, to religious practices. You could even take it a step further by having them investigate seasonal celebrations that are native to other cultures. It's sure to create greater social awareness.

Naturally, they will expect some form of reward for their efforts, which seems fair in my opinion. Especially when considering the significance of the projects (when done thoroughly) and the lasting impact it will have on all the participants. But, hopefully it will reduce some entitlement they feel come holiday time, realizing that those days have deeper meaning other than the gifts, candy, games, and parties associated with them. 

Also, you should be prepared answer questions that will most likely arise from their discoveries. For example, they may question why they would celebrate Thanksgiving and Halloween, given their origin. But don't let this deter you. Consider that it's healthier for them to establish values based on right and wrong rather than "because it's fun." Remember that the purpose of the exercise to discover relevance in our customs, and branch out of practicing traditions just for the sake of tradition.

Even though it is tempting to indulge in the magic and fantasy aspects of holidays, it also distorts the truth, perpetuating confusion and ignorance. My belief is that truth holds a better legacy and creates as many warm, fuzzy memories for families as any fable. So encourage your kids to expound their minds.-Alicia Hopkins