>> FAMILY TRADITIONS: PREDICtaBLE
EVENTS IN AN UNPREDICTABLE WORLD

A particular activity reaches tradition status because it works, time after time, season after season. Family traditions make children feel content and adults feel normal. They’re predictable events in a very unpredictable world. So bring on your family traditions this holiday season, whether it’s watching classic Christmas movies together in new pajamas on Christmas Eve or something truly unique to your family. Perhaps this year you’ll start a new one that could someday reach tradition status. Our first tip below is one that my family has enjoyed.

SECRET ANGEL A week or two before Christmas, each member of our family becomes a secret angel to another family member. We each put our name on a piece of paper and place it in a hat. Then we pick the name of the person for whom we will be the secret angel. Each day we do at least one nice thing anonymously for that person. My 8-year-old recently announced with a big grin, "Mom, my angel made my bed for me." And an older daughter showed off a beautiful rose that was placed in her room.
A sign on the refrigerator reminds us of our daily deed with the words, "Have you been a good angel today?" It's been a joy and a wonderful experience for all of us to participate in. Many of us continue being an angel long after Christmas has passed. – J. Gordon, San Ramon, Calif.