At our house, when our children were young, we began a tradition of Sunday soup night. My husband makes the best chicken soup on the planet, and the children have always loved his soup. I made the rolls, and Dad made the soup. Simple enough, right? To this day, when they come home for holidays or visits, Dad creates a pot of soup for the visit, and it’s a favorite. Come up with a few family specialties (pancakes, grilled cheese, or whatever is easy) and make them regularly on holidays and special occasions. These will become comfort food for your children in the years ahead, holding many memories.

Or consider beginning a tradition of reaching out and helping others as a family in December. Children learn compassion by watching those around them help others. Consider helping food banks, veteran and homeless bag builders, or perhaps volunteer as a family to help distribute wreaths on the graves of veterans with Wreaths Across America.