Creating memories: 15 family traditions to adopt this year

Family memories aren't created by chance: they're born of little rituals, shared moments and traditions that punctuate the year. According to a Harvard University study, children who grow up with family traditions develop a stronger sense of belonging and higher self-esteem. Whether you're a large family or a parent-child duo, establishing traditions means giving your children precious landmarks and memories. Are you ready to inject a little magic into your daily routine? Here are 15 traditions to adopt this year to turn every season into an adventure and every week into a celebration. Get out the diaries, get the cameras ready: family memories are being written now!

There's nothing like an evening of board games to bring young and old together around the table. According to Statista, 67% of families play board games at least once a month. Vary the pleasures: classics, card games, novelties... The important thing is to laugh together and create memories. To spice up the evening, let each member choose his or her favorite game in turn. Atmosphere guaranteed!

Why not start a tradition of language learning? With Lingoda, the whole family can discover English, Spanish or German in a fun way. Studies show that learning a language stimulates children's memory and creativity. Organize an "international brunch" where everyone has to use a few words they've learned. Laughter and progress guaranteed!

At the beginning of each year, get out a big box and invite each member to put in an object, a drawing or an outstanding photo. at the end of the year, open it together and relive the highlights. It's a simple tradition that helps us measure how far we've come, and to value each stage of family life. It's also a great way to cultivate gratitude on a daily basis.

Pick a rainy Sunday, get out the blankets and make some popcorn: it's time for a pajama movie marathon! According to a Léger survey, 82% of families love watching movies together. Alternate between classics, new releases and everyone's favorites. Bonus: create a homemade "cinema passport" to stamp at each screening to keep track of your viewing.

Once a month, take up the challenge of a screen-free day. Take the opportunity to explore nature, cook together or simply chat. According to the INSPQ, limiting screen time encourages communication and creativity in children. This tradition allows them to reconnect, slow down and savor the present moment, far from notifications and social networks.

Travel without leaving home thanks to a world cuisine workshop! Each month, choose a country and prepare a typical dish together. To enrich the experience, try learning a few words in the local language with Busuu. Children love getting their hands dirty and discovering new flavors. It's also a great opportunity to broaden the culinary horizons of the whole family.

Organize a treasure hunt in the garden or park at each change of season. Prepare age-appropriate clues and include a little surprise at the end. This activity stimulates team spirit and curiosity. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, playing outdoors promotes well-being and reduces stress in children. get your maps and compasses!

Make yourself comfortable and share a story aloud every week. According to UNESCO, shared reading improves children's vocabulary and comprehension. For variety, let everyone choose a book, or invent a story together. This tradition creates a reassuring cocoon and develops a taste for reading from an early age.

Create a family photo album where each member adds his or her favorite shots over the months. Print them out or create a digital album. According to a study by Photobox, 74% of families find that looking at photos together strengthens bonds. It's a tradition that allows us to relive special moments and see everyday life in a new light, through everyone's eyes.

Turn your living room into a concert stage and launch a multilingual karaoke party! With Lingopie, discover songs in different languages and have fun singing them together. Singing stimulates memory and self-confidence, while creating hilarious memories. Don't forget to film the performances for later viewing!

Hang up a calendar in the kitchen and write down every day a little happiness experienced as a family: a laugh, a hug, an achievement... According to the University of California, cultivating gratitude increases happiness by 25%. at the end of the year, review all these precious moments together. This tradition helps us to see the positive even in ordinary days.

Whether it's sunny or snowy, organize a picnic every month! In summer, head for the park or the beach; in winter, improvise a picnic in the living room or under the snow. According to Tourisme Québec, 60% of families enjoy picnics all year round. This tradition is an invitation to get away from routine and enjoy nature in all seasons.

Once a month, let each member of the family organize the day as he or she sees fit: activities, meals, outings... This tradition encourages listening and autonomy. According to the Observatoire des Tout-Petits, giving children a say strengthens their confidence and sense of belonging. It's also an opportunity to discover new passions and surprise the whole family!

Each year, ask everyone to write a letter to their "future self". Slip them into an envelope to be opened in one, five or ten years' time. This tradition invites us to reflect on our dreams, desires and progress. According to Psychologie Québec, writing about yourself encourages introspection and resilience. A moving moment to share with your family, year after year.

End each day with a group hug or a kind word. According to a McGill University study, children who receive regular expressions of affection sleep better and are more serene. This simple yet powerful ritual ends the day on a positive note and strengthens family ties. A heart-warming gesture, whatever the age!