What are your traditions for birthdays, holidays, or other special days of the year? Traditions are important; they define our lives, our dreams, and the things that mean the most to us. Like the Butlers, you too have important family traditions to preserve.

For birthdays, the Butlers:

* Make each birthday a special day for each member of
the family.
* Have birthday parties at Grandma Butler’s house, in the park, at home, the zoo, the canyon, or even at a local
theme park.
* Play fun games such as Musical Chairs, Frisbee, piñata, and an English “parcel” game.

What do you do for birthdays? Do you have birthday parties? Play special games? Go somewhere special?

For Christmas, the Butlers:

* Decorate the Christmas tree with updated framed photos.
* Involve the kids in local charities, such as gathering blankets, toiletries, toys, and school supplies for the homeless shelter.
* Are awakened by the youngest child’s shouts of “It’s morning!” on Christmas day.
* Make Christmas a day about family, service, and giving.

What do you do for Christmas? Do you wait to open all presents on Christmas morning? Hang stockings up on the fireplace mantle? Go Christmas Caroling?

For Thanksgiving, the Butlers:

* Celebrate with extended family.
* Make festive pilgrim hats and Native American headdresses.
* Send out Thanksgiving greetings to express gratitude to friends and family.
* Take a restful nap after eating so much turkey.

What do you do for Thanksgiving? Do you have a big feast with extended family? Play a special Thanksgiving sports game? Play games with cousins? Make a special dish?

What special traditions do you have for other holidays? Do you celebrate Kwanza? Celebrate Hanukkah? Go on a special vacation each year?

If you like the Butler’s traditions, you can preserve your own. Find these three templates in the Heritage Makers template gallery. Show how you celebrate your family traditions.