Each year while the kids were growing up, after football games, food and fireworks, we held a family night on New Year’s Eve. The night was tailored to the age of the kids throughout the years, but normally before counting down the new year (or calling it a night when the kids were younger), we met together for family time.
On that night I passed out index cards to everyone as well as a sheet of paper. An index card was given from each person to the other family members. On one side of the card, everyone was assigned to write an affirmation and a good memory experienced with that person from the previous year. On the other side, each person was to write one phrase that we wanted to hear from that family member in the new year (“I appreciate you for...”, “I like you because...”, “I will help you with your math homework”, etc.), as well as one thing we want to do more with them in the year ahead. Then, on the separate piece of paper we all wrote resolutions for the new year. It took a little explaining and some time for people to write, but it was well worth it... and actually, the kids enjoyed it.
We exchanged cards, read them out loud and shared our resolutions with each other. Then, to close out the time, we would pray together as a family.
One new year’s eve was especially touching as my oldest son was graduating from high school and going off to college in the new year. My middle son, not normally emotional, began reading his affirmation and was moved to tears talking about how his brother would be gone from the house. We all began crying thinking about that reality. It was a sweet moment as a family and one we’ll always remember.
Our new year’s eve gathering was always a time of laughing and saying things to each other that we need to say, but normally don’t because of the busyness and routine of life. For us, our time on new year’s eve is a memory that we still recall today.
A Great Idea:
Customize it to what works best for you, but a family gathering on New Year’s Eve for the purpose of reflecting on the past year and sharing expectations for the new year, along with some time for affirmation, is a wonderful thing to consider.
Here are five reasons why:
There are always blessings to remember from the past year.
There are always challenges that were overcome.
There are always good memories that were made.
There are always positive traits to affirm in each other.
There are always exciting opportunities and reasons for optimism in the new year.
Finally, it’s also a great opportunity for you as a dad to lead your family in what is important to do— that is, sitting down together without phones and TV, sharing affirming words with each other, and making a positive memory together.
I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway, questions or comments. Please email me! I read and respond to every email.
Mike Ayers, Ph.D.
Comments