Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Celebrations Strenghten Families

What does your family celebrate? Birthdays? Weddings? A religious or patriotic holiday? Celebrations have always been part of family and community life. The pageantry, ritual and symbolism of celebrations help us to unite, motivate and educate.

Celebrations can help parents build family strengths and teach children values. Research finds families who celebrate together are healthier and better able to meet the challenges of modern day living, says Steven Dennis, family life specialist, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas.

Celebrations help us unite. Presentation of the Olympic gold, a backyard birthday barbecue or handing out diplomas at a high school graduation  all allow us to share in the success and bind us to our fiends, families and communities.

As human beings we have a deep need to belong or be a part of something larger than ourselves. We come together as couples, friends, classmates, colleagues, teams, communities and families. As members of these social groups we adopt the rules and values of the groups that promote cooperation and connect us together.

Research has found that individuals and families who are not well connected to their communities and one another are at greater risk for depression, suicide, delinquency and criminal behavior. Youth who feel part of their communities are more likely to abide by the community's laws and standards for behavior.

Children who feel connected to their families are more likely to live by the rules of the family.

Recently a panel of family scholars met to discuss strengths and challenges of modern families. One problem identified was widespread feelings of being disconnected among many American families.

The rapid pace and change of modern life has left many persons stressed, depressed and isolated. Some experts have suggested that traditions, rituals and celebrations are the key to bring continuity to lives and connect past and present.

Celebrations give us pride in past achievements and rally confidence for the future. Celebrating a job promotion sends a message that the person is deserving, worthy and supported in his efforts and motivate the person to even greater achievements.

Developing citizenship and patriotism in youth is done by sharing stories, covering our hearts at flag ceremonies, reciting the pledge of allegiance and sharing the meaning behind symbols of freedom such as the soaring eagle or the torch of Lady Liberty.

Family celebrations and rituals teach lessons of character and values, too. A marriage anniversary teaches love, cooperation and commitment and reminds us of the vows taken during the wedding.

In every celebration there is a lesson. By enriching our holidays with stories, symbols and rituals and looking for opportunities to celebrate the accomplishments of each other we can unite and inspire our families.

For more information on family and human development contact the Clark County Cooperative Extension Service, clark@uaex.edu.