The air is crisp, cozy evenings return, and gratitude seems to settle in like a soft blankie. It’s the perfect time to slow down and create meaningful family traditions—ones that connect you more deeply, boost everyone’s mental health, and remind us that joy can often come from simple moments spent together.
Below, we’ve thrown together some ideas to inspire new family traditions this holiday season, along with a look at why these moments matter and how a few well-chosen toys and games can help make them stick.
Why Family Traditions Matter
Family traditions help everyone feel a little more grounded. Shared rituals give kids a sense of belonging and remind adults to slow down once in a while. Research shows that when families spend regular time together, kids build better communication skills, confidence, and emotional balance—and parents tend to feel more connected and less stressed. Traditions don’t have to be fancy or perfectly planned; it’s best to just find small, repeatable moments that fit your family’s rhythm.
Tradition Idea #1: Family Game Night
Game nights are classics for a reason—they’re low-pressure, screen-free fun that brings out laughter and connection. Pick one night each week where the devices go off and the competition (or cooperation) begins.
Try this:
- Rotate who picks the game each week to give every family member a voice.
- Mix it up with board games, card games, or cooperative storytelling games.
- Keep a “Family Champion” trophy (a silly hat or small figurine works!) that travels to the winner of the week.
Games to consider
For young kids (ages 4–8):
· Where Do I Live Bingo – A classic game of bingo that helps kids learn about habitats and animals.
· Hoot Owl Hoot! – A cooperative color-matching game where everyone works together to get the owls home before sunrise. Perfect for building teamwork.
· Feed the Woozle – Silly, movement-based, and fantastic for coordination and impulse control.
For mixed-age groups (ages 6–12):
· Dragon's Breath – Help the dragon siblings melt an icy column and catch the falling gems before they disappear. Cover holes on the game board with sparkling stones and see which dragon collects the most treasure by the end of the game.
· Spot It! – Fast-paced game that helps build focus and visual perception, as well as language and fine motor skills. Spot it! Is perfect for 2-5 players
· Chalk and Chuckles Claim and Save – A Strategy game that features 30 animals from around the globe. Build hedges and claim square reserves, then mark them with an animal token.
For tweens and up (ages 9+):
· Exit Games– Immersive escape room-style games for 1-4 players, perfect for gatherings
· Popdarts – Fast-paced suction-cup throwing game for indoor & outdoor fun - sticks to smooth surfaces
For family humor and energy:
· You Who?! Game– Challenge friends and family with five rounds of questions that go from playful to thought-provoking—and find out who really knows who (and who’s bluffing) during parties or family game night.
Beyond the fun, game nights teach kids about turn-taking, frustration tolerance, and flexible thinking—key executive functioning skills that support mental wellness and social development.
Tradition Idea #2: Gratitude Jar
November and gratitude go hand in hand. A family gratitude journal or jar helps shift the focus from what we lack to what we love. Each evening—or maybe once a week—everyone writes down one thing they’re thankful for. These can be big (“my soccer team won!”) or small (“the cat sat in my lap today”).
Try this:
- Keep a jar and colorful slips of paper in the kitchen.
- Read a few aloud every Sunday night or on Thanksgiving.
- Add little doodles or stickers to make it more fun for younger kids.
Over time, this simple act strengthens neural pathways linked to positive emotions and gratitude. Studies show that practicing gratitude can reduce stress, improve mood, and even promote better sleep—a win for the whole family.
Tradition Idea #3: Reflection Circles
Reflection circles are a beautiful way to wind down and reconnect after a busy week. Gather the family in the living room or around the dinner table and share reflections using prompts like:
- “What made you smile this week?”
- “What was a challenge you handled well?”
- “What’s something you’re looking forward to next week?”
These circles foster emotional intelligence, empathy, and open communication. They also model vulnerability and validation—skills that help kids express themselves in healthy ways.
Optional add-on: Use a “talking object” (like a soft ball or plush toy) that gets passed around so everyone has a turn to speak without interruption.
Tradition Idea #4: Volunteering Together
November is also a wonderful time to teach compassion in action. Volunteering as a family helps kids develop perspective and empathy, reminding them of their ability to make a difference.
Ideas to try:
- Deliver meals or baked goods to neighbors.
- Make meal kits to donate to local food banks.
- Participate in a local food drive or community clean-up.
- Make “kindness bags” with snacks and notes for people experiencing homelessness.
- Volunteer at a local animal shelter or nursing home.
Volunteering builds purpose and connection, both of which are protective factors for mental health. When families work together for a common cause, children learn that kindness is a powerful force that can drive a ripple effect through the community.
Tradition Idea #5: Movement Moments
Exercise doesn’t need to translate to formal workouts at the gym. Family walks after dinner, bike rides on weekends, or impromptu dance parties in the living room can all count as movement-based traditions.
Movement releases endorphins and dopamine—natural mood boosters that help regulate emotions and reduce anxiety. Plus, moving together gives families a chance to talk casually, share laughs, or simply enjoy being outside.
Try this:
Create a “Family Walk Bingo” card with items like:
- A red door
- A bird’s nest
- Someone walking a dog
- A funny-shaped cloud
- A kind act you notice
It turns exercise into a “scavenger hunt” sort of adventure and builds mindfulness and curiosity along the way.
Tradition Idea #6: DIY Craft or Creation Nights
Creativity has a way of bringing families closer. When hands are busy, hearts and minds tend to open up. Designate one night each week as your “Make Something” night—it could be crafts, baking, or even building a fort together.
Ideas to try:
· Create “memory ornaments” that capture favorite moments from the year.
· Trace handprints on paper leaves to make a “thankful tree.”
· Design your own family board game using cardboard, dice, and imagination.
Creative expression supports problem-solving, self-regulation, and confidence. It’s also a gentle, grounding way to wind down and recharge together.
The Mental Health Benefits of Family Time
Family traditions are so emotionally nourishing. Regular, positive family interactions have been shown to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems in children. For adults, family rituals can reduce stress, boost feelings of belonging, and serve as an antidote to burnout.
Here’s why they work:
- Predictability creates safety. Routines provide structure and comfort, which calm the nervous system.
- Shared joy builds resilience. Laughter and play activate oxytocin, the “bonding hormone.”
- Open communication fosters trust. Regular check-ins make it easier for kids (and parents) to share struggles early.
Toys and Tools to Support Family Traditions
Building traditions can be even more fun with the right tools. Here are a few ideas to spark connection and keep things engaging:
- Gratitude or reflection cards: Try sets like TableTopics Family Edition or We’re Not Really Strangers: Family Edition for meaningful conversations.
- Movement prompts: Use a Yoga Spinner or GoNoodle app to make exercise playful.
- Creative kits: Subscription boxes like KiwiCo or Pipsticks can turn DIY nights into easy, ready-to-go fun.
- Collaborative building sets: LEGO or Magna-Tiles are great for cooperative play that strengthens problem-solving and teamwork.
Closing Thoughts
Traditions don’t have to be big to be meaningful. Choose one that feels doable and make it your own. Maybe it’s Friday night cards, a weekly gratitude check-in, or a neighborhood walk with hot chocolate in hand.
Over time, these small moments of connection become the stories your family remembers—the laughter, the warmth, and the feeling of being together, fully present. November is the perfect month to begin.
References
Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377-389.
Malaquias, S., Crespo, C., & Francisco, R. (2015). How do adolescents benefit from family rituals? Links to social connectedness, depression and anxiety. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 24(10), 3009-3017.
Spagnola, M., & Fiese, B. H. (2007). Family routines and rituals: A context for development in the lives of young children. Infants & Young Children, 20(4), 284-299.
Quick Read Version:
· Game Night — take turns picking, no screens allowed
· Gratitude Jar — one note a day, read them later
· Reflection Circle — share a win, a challenge, a laugh
· Movement Moment — walk, dance, or bike together
· DIY Night — make something, anything, as a team