Think back to your childhood. What were some of family traditions that now provide your fondest memories? Maybe it was hosting a haunted house in your garage or going on a neighborhood hay ride. Participation in some of the local activities occurring this time of year can result in memorable family traditions. Here to share some of her family’s fun festivities is Paige McCoy Smith, our Not-So-Perfect Parent.

Why are family traditions so important?

1. Built-in family time. First, they provide some built-in family time. In our world where family members are flying in all sorts of different directions, traditions with family insure that everyone comes to the dinner table. Even your 16-year-old who is mad at the world will turn off her cell-phone and secretly enjoy the white-elephant exchange that happens every year (even though you would rather die than admit it).

2. Offers a Sense of Belonging. The second reason traditions are important is that they offer a sense of belonging. You ask ten unrelated people what Christmas traditions were practiced in their home and you get ten different answers. Although there are the old stand-bys like the trick or treating and Turkey dinner, each family puts their unique stamp on the occasion is celebrated.

3. Keeps Generations Connected. The third reason why traditions are important is that they unite generations for a common purpose. Let’s face it, there is little in-common between an 80 year old and an 8 year old. However, when it is all said and done, kids will remember the last holidays with grand-pa more so than the Ninja Action Warrior he had been begging for.

What are some ways to make your family tradition more memorable?

To make family traditions more memorable, take the time to talk about the special things your family does and why it is important to you. Include the children in planning and carrying out the special activities. This will give them a feeling of pride and belonging to actually be a part of the traditions.

There are many fun fall festivals and activities occurring this time of year. Share with us how you and your family celebrated the season.

Flower Mound Pumpkin Village
Admission FREE
Now through Thanksgiving
Activities
- Hayrides
- Bounce Houses
- Mazes
- Photo opportunities with over 1,000 pumpkins

Neighborhood Boo Bash (a neighborhood Halloween Celebration)
1. Cost: Neighbors chip-in
2. Hayrides
3. Costume Contest
4. Face Painting

Six Flags Fright Fest
Now through 10/31
Cost: $45.00 Adult; $35.00 Kids: Children under 2 FREE
Family by Day (Trick or Treating, Looney Toon Charcters, Maze, Rides)
Fright by Night (Goblins and Gools, Haunted Houses)

Dallas Arboretum
Cost: $8.00 Adults $5.00 for Children under 12
Mommy and Me Mondays (Petting Zoo, Maze, Face Painting)
Ultimate Tree Houses
Great Pumpkin Festival

Boo at the Zoo
Cost: $10.50 adults; $8.00 Children under 12
10/25 – 10/30
Trick or Treating with the Animals