Create New Traditions With These 5 Awesome 'Holidays'

Holidays can cause some of the biggest disagreements between co-parents after a divorce. Emotions tend to run high during special events, so it’s no wonder that navigating holidays from two houses can ignite conflict. But even though traditional holidays may be fraught for co-parents, traditions, in general, can still be a source of joy for two-household families.

The Importance of New Traditions

Families acclimate to co-parenting at their own speeds, but establishing new routines and traditions can be a great way to ease that transition. Major holidays may no longer be celebrated in old and familiar ways, so laying a positive groundwork with new traditions that your children can eagerly anticipate—and that are not coloured by any memories of celebrations pre-divorce—will help them add new and happy chapters to your family’s story.

Uncommon holidays and new traditions have the added benefit of not being split between houses. Co-parents can create their own unique traditions with their children without any additional tension caused by sharing celebrations. These uncommon holidays can also be easily tailored to your child’s own interests, ensuring a place in their most precious childhood memories.

When it comes to new holidays for your family to celebrate, the choices are limitless, so here are 5 of our favourite uncommon “holidays” to get your brainstorming started. 

Burns Night

You don’t have to be an avid reader of Robert Burns to appreciate holidays that celebrate authors and poets. Burns is most likely not a favourite of young children and since Burns Night was just celebrated on 25 January, why not select another author or literary work that align more with your children’s interests? Spend the day reading favourite stories or selected chapters, watching the best movie and television adaptations, or making a literary-themed meal. Hold your celebration on the author’s birthday, the date the work was published, or simply choose a date that works for your family’s schedule. 

Pluto’s Discovery

Space exploration and the solar system is one of the perennial obsessions of childhood, encouraged by many wonderful science instructors. Why not foster the STEM inclinations of your child by celebrating the discovery (and eventual demotion) of Pluto? Take a trip to your local science museum, snack on these awesome galaxy lollipops, and marvel at the advancements in space exploration since Pluto’s discovery on 18 February 1930. As a bonus, your family has two full years to ramp up to the 90th anniversary of this historic event.

Biscuit Day

No list of unusual holidays would be complete without at least one revolving around food, and Biscuit Day, celebrated annually on 29 May, is a great first choice. However, on the off chance your children aren’t fans of biscuits, it’s easy enough to choose another dish that they love. If siblings begin to squabble over which treat to honour, either combine their favourite snacks into a day packed full with gustatory delights or instead choose to give each delicacy the time it deserves and spread your celebration over multiple days.

Perseid Meteor Showers

This is a fantastic tradition for families that enjoy the outdoors. Whether you make the trek to the perfect campground or take in the view from your backyard, be sure to cross your fingers for clear skies. If you have an amateur photographer in the family, meteor showers offer a great opportunity to attempt new and rewarding shots as well. In 2018, the Perseid meteor shower will be visible from 9 to 13 August. If those dates do not work for your schedule, there are many more meteor showers that happen throughout the year as well.  

Tell A Story Day

We love the opportunities made possible by ‘Tell A Story Day.’ Celebrated annually on 27 October, parents and children can spend quality time sharing their favourite tales and memories. You can read a book, devour a comic, or simply regale your children with legends about growing up without the internet (ones they haven’t heard already, mind you). If your children are a little older, you can even take this day as an opportunity to have everyone share a story of their own creation.

If none of these options meshes with your children’s interests, you are just a quick search away from finding the holiday that clicks with their passions. Since no one knows your child better than you do, you also have the option of making an entirely new tradition of your own. No matter what you decide to do, building traditions with your children will play an important role in creating treasured memories after a divorce or separation.