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Creating Family Time and Traditions in the Summer
Summer has always been one of my favorite times of the year, even though it's hot as all get out where I live. Being born and raised in East Texas certainly helped me to get acclimated to the heat but it was also more tolerable because of all the fun things we used to do.
Liturgical Living Through the Seasons
I'm sure that I've shared with you before that I wasn't raised in a practicing Catholic family and you may have also heard me say that I grew up in a generational liturgical living family. How is that possible? There is one clear answer and that is God's grace. More practically speaking the liturgical life of the church was handed down to me through my grandmother who pulled her children and grandchildren together to share faith, culture, and family time. I also received the liturgical year through the natural seasons which my family was very much in tune with. The natural seasons: winter, fall, spring, and summer, were always marked with special festivities and food in my home.
Knowing God Through the Seasons
By celebrating and living in close connection to the natural seasons I was able to observe the foundations of the liturgical year, the patterns of life in their most basic form. And I was given the opportunity to come to know the God creation on a very basic level, through a rhythmic and seasonal system that existed before the liturgical calendar. In essence, liturgical living came to me through the dying and rising pattern of creation before adding in feasts, devotions and dedications from the liturgical year.
Keep Your Memories Alive
Summer, in particular, was given life with the annual summer crawfish boil, monthly pool parties, our neighborhood block party, outdoor movie & snack nights, indoor camping, 4 wheeler riding (also called muddin'), and dance parties. As I read that back I think I might get questions about whether the movie and snack nights were actually outdoors and the camping was actually indoors. That is correct! My dad had a TV set up in our outdoor patio and my mother wasn't one for camping so we would set up our kid size tents in the living room and she would serve us snacks and set up games. I love these precious memories, but I try to not just keep them as a memory but as a living, breathing experience that endures with my family and friends today. Do you pass down the things of your childhood and family life to your children, husband, neighbors, and friends? If not, I encourage you to do so, this is how we create tradition.
Summer Tradition Ideas
Summer is the perfect season for families and friends to come together and create lasting memories. The warm weather and longer days provide ample opportunities for bonding and fun. Here are some creative and engaging ways to establish family time and traditions this summer.
1. Weekly Family Picnics
Hosting a weekly picnic can be a delightful way to enjoy the outdoors together. Choose different parks or scenic spots each week. Bring along a basket filled with favorite foods, a blanket, and some games. This tradition allows everyone to disconnect from their routines and reconnect with each other.
2. Gardening Together
Start a family garden where everyone can contribute. Whether it’s planting flowers, vegetables, or herbs, gardening teaches patience, responsibility, and teamwork. Plus, harvesting and eating your home-grown produce is a rewarding experience. This activity can become a summer staple, evolving each year as your garden grows.
3. Outdoor Movie Nights
Transform your backyard into an open-air theater. Hang a white sheet or set up a projector screen, lay out some blankets and pillows, and enjoy a movie under the stars. Choose a night of the week to make this a regular event, complete with popcorn and your family’s favorite films.
4. Beach, Lake, or Pool Days
If you live near a beach or a lake, dedicate one day each week to water fun. Pack a cooler, bring along some water toys, and spend the day swimming, building sandcastles, and playing beach games. These outings provide a relaxing environment for everyone to unwind and bond.
5. Family Road Trips
Plan mini road trips to explore nearby attractions, nature spots, or even Catholic churches. Visit national parks, historical sites, or quirky roadside attractions. These trips don’t have to be elaborate; even a short drive can lead to a day of adventure and learning. My friends over at Friends of the Faith suggested that you try traveling to local holy places, you never know what sacred images, stories, and encounters you might have!
6. Cooking and Baking Together
Involve everyone in preparing meals or baking treats. Try out new recipes or recreate family favorites. This activity not only brings everyone into the kitchen but also teaches valuable cooking skills. You can even start a family recipe book, adding new dishes each summer.
7. Summer Spiritual Reading Challenge
Encourage a love for reading by starting a summer reading challenge. Set goals and reward achievements with a special treat or outing. Create a cozy reading nook or have family reading sessions where each member shares their favorite book.
8. DIY Craft Projects
Engage in arts and crafts projects that the whole family can enjoy. Create tie-dye shirts, paint canvases, or build birdhouses. Display your creations around the house or garden as a reminder of your fun summer projects.
9. Fitness and Sports Activities
Stay active together by trying out different sports or fitness routines. Go for bike rides, play soccer, or have a weekly family walk time. This promotes a healthy lifestyle and keeps everyone energized.
10. Star Gazing Nights
On clear nights, set up a cozy spot in the yard with blankets and pillows to watch the stars. Use a telescope if you have one, or simply lie back and enjoy the night sky. Learn about constellations together and make wishes on shooting stars.
11. Family Game Tournaments
Host a series of game nights with both indoor and outdoor games. From board games and card games to relay races and scavenger hunts, these tournaments can become highly anticipated events filled with laughter and friendly competition.
12. Daily Family Prayer Time
Dedicate some time to every day to praying together. Each week, go to adoration with one another, even if it's just for 10-15 minutes. This is a great time to ground your family in the spiritual disciplines you were wanting to do during the school year but were too busy to begin. Let's do it now!
By incorporating these activities into your summer routine, you can create meaningful family traditions that will be cherished for years to come. The key is to be consistent and open to new experiences, ensuring that each summer is filled with joy, laughter, and togetherness.
I pray that you were able to gather helpful ideas for bringing summertime into your home and community. Tell me how it went in the comments or by sharing pictures with me on Facebook or Instagram.
