http://compassiontherapyblog.com An Individual's Counseling and Therapy Resource Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:51:11 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 http://compassiontherapyblog.com/holiday-traditions/ http://compassiontherapyblog.com/holiday-traditions/#comments Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:28:35 +0000 Lorna http://compassiontherapyblog.com/?p=264 By following certain traditions in daily life and around the holidays, we all contribute uniquely to our heritage and to society as a whole. Traditions help to express and pass down the values and beliefs that are important to a family, as well as to the larger culture and society.
Children especially benefit from the practice of passing down traditions. “…Helps to reinforce the bonds among family members and lets your child know that he is a part of a larger group- which increases his sense of security and safety.” (De Atires, Reguero).
As we begin to celebrate the Christmas season, let’s remember that not only are we enjoying the holiday season as adults, but we are teaching our children values and traditions that will be carried on through generations.
I would encourage you to continue to establish specific holiday traditions that will make this and future seasons more meaningful to your family.

De Atirees, Julia Reguero, Scholastic Parent and Child, Nov/Dec. 2001. Exploring Diversity through Family Traditions, Vol. 9, p. 44-51.

Christmas Candy Cane Symbolism

It is shaped like a shepherd’s staff because
Jesus is our Good Shepherd.

It is white because Jesus is good and pure.

It has red stripes because Jesus shed His blood
For us.

It is made of hard candy because Jesus is our
Rock.

It is sweet because Jesus’ love for us is sweet.

Held upside down, it is shaped like the letter “J”
For Jesus.

It is given to others as a gift because Jesus is
Our gift.

Adapted from Bethany Robert’s Christmas Fun for Kids (December 17, 2003)
www.bethanyroberts.com/ChristmasCandyCanes.htm

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