Our New Tradition!

When we decided to no longer celebrate Halloween last year, I suggested to my kids that since we were axing a tradition/holiday, maybe we could create something new. This opened up their minds to being excited to let go of Halloween, rather than feel like they were missing out. And so, they decided to create a celebration of summer and friendship. A day to celebrate all the wonderful memories we made during the summer and all the wonderful blessings we enjoyed. It was so fun for them to collaborate on what this celebration would be about, and how we could make it special and fun. We agreed that it should not be during the fall season, as it needed to be something totally separate from and not to be confused with Halloween. No "fall costume parties" or "trunk-or-treats" for this family. We agreed to be completely free of Halloween.

If you follow our vlog, then you know that we love to have fun and are definitely not a boring family. As we let go of traditions and activities of the world and of the past, we won't look back, have regrets, or feel we are being deprived. Fall has so much beauty, and we can celebrate it's beauty in better ways that are more pleasing to the Lord. We are entering a new season where all things will be made new. I believe it's the perfect time to create new traditions that align with our family values and the teachings of the Lord. Traditions and celebrations that elevate, strengthen, and build.

Yesterday we threw our first annual Summer's End Party. Each of my kids got to invite their best friend. Now, my kids do love dress-ups, and so we agreed for the theme to be "dress up as something that reminds you of summer". Tatem was a fireman (because of all the summer wildfires), Cambrey was Lady Bug, Paisley was a unicorn, and I was a butterfly. We played carnival games for prizes, made crafts, had a BBQ, and watched a summer movie. It was a beautiful night! We’ll for sure do this again next August.