Photo credit: Steve Bridger, Mexicanwave, "More Pumpkins"
There’s something about this time of year that lends itself easily to family traditions. Whether it’s hollowing and carving a pumpkin, making a yearly expedition for conker hunting, going to a favourite fireworks display or preparing for the beginning of the festive season, autumn just screams TRADITION.
Many family traditions are borne organically – you do it one year and enjoy it, so decide to recreate the memory a year later – but some are created with real purpose. Lots of parents have fond memories of activities they did with their own mum and dad when they were little and want to introduce the tradition to the next generation of children.
If your family is very young, it’s a perfect time to start creating those yearly traditions that will become a staple of this time of year in your house. We’ve had a think and come up with a few ideas to make the most of family time together at this exciting time of year.
Pumpkin decorating
It doesn’t have to be pumpkin carving – there are lots of ideas for brilliant and fun ways to decorate a lovely fat pumpkin at this time of year.
Check out The Imagination Tree for fantastic pumpkin decorating tips, from glitter to feathers, carving to paints, there’s a great roundup of inspiring activities that the whole family can join in together.
Family Halloween party
Carve out a pumpkin and make some yummy soup. Add toffee apples and toasted crumpets and you’ve got a yummy family tea, perfect for the cold weather. You could introduce some games like apple bobbing and fancy dress to turn it into a real Halloween party.
Conker expedition
We’re big fans of outdoor treasure hunts, making the most of nature’s bounty. Conker hunting is a great activity for this time of year and a brilliant excuse to get out of the house.
Pull on some wellies and wrap up warm as you head out into the cold to source your treasure. Once it’s home, check out Red Ted Art for some wonderful crafting ideas with conkers.
Have you got any family traditions you enjoy at this time of year? We’d love to hear them – share your ideas here!
©2012
Kristina I just read this post and even though Easter has pasesd I thought I’d add a comment. My issue is just the opposite: for years I filled the Easter baskets, hid the candy, got everyone off to Church, made a big meal, etc. Now MY children have grown up, moved away (too far for us to be together for just a day), and have children of their own. To say our Easter traditions have evolved is an understatement! All of our grandchildren receive Easter cards with a treat inside (money, gift cards). The Don and I now invite friends for a nice Easter dinner (with ham always the centerpiece). We still celebrate but our traditions different and that’s how life goes, I think!