As a believer, Holy Week is a very special time of the year and culminates with Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday. If you celebrate Easter, join me as we chant,

Christ is Risen!
Indeed, He is Risen!
Christ is Risen!
Indeed, He is Risen!

Growing up, my family attended St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Chicago. On Easter, the Priest would spread incense over the empty tomb, and lead the congregation with this Ukrainian chant. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation.

What are traditions?

Traditions are repeated behaviors or actions. Some examples of traditions might be birthday and holiday celebrations, reunions, family trips or outings. 

Why are traditions important?

Traditions preserve our cultural or religious heritage.

In our family, we celebrate both Italian and Ukrainian/Polish traditions for Christmas by eating fish and making vereniki, borscht and kapusta. We have also introduced new traditions like singing, “Happy Birthday” to Jesus on Christmas and reenacting The Last Supper. These traditions, old and new, help our children understand cultural heritages of the past and preserve them for future generations.

Traditions teach values.

Ask your child, “What traditions do you think are important to our family?” Their answer might alarm, frighten, or pleasantly surprise you. As early as 18-months old, children can learn important values from the traditions you implement. Life is busy and an important tradition for me is to greet my children and husband with, “Good Morning and I love you!” If I fail at everything else that day, at least my family has heard and know, that they are loved!

Traditions strengthen family relationships.

Since 2008, our family has participated in the Dallas Turkey Trot and have been trotting the 5K and 8-mile course ever since. It is fun way for us to get some exercise, encourage one another and raise our arms high as a family when we cross the finish line.

Traditions give you something to look forward to.

Every summer, our family heads out to hike the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Whenever our children hear the song, Locked Out Of Heaven, or look at photos of the mountains, they get so excited. Each hike starts with one of our children leading us up the mountain. This summer tradition has empowered our children to conquer rugged terrain, overcome long and treacherous climbs and taught them how to push through quitting points.

Hopefully you have traditions that are important to your family, or are inspired to start some. Traditions preserve cultural heritage, teach values, strengthen family relationships and give everyone something to look forward to!

Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com? website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com.