In our home, a sign hangs above the entrance that reads, “Savor the little moments in life, for one day you’ll look back and see they were the significant ones.” As parents, we have the incredible opportunity to create countless small gestures for our children that will ultimately become their most treasured memories. From generation to generation, the fond moments we cultivate will enrich the lives of our children and their children too. I understand this deeply, as I now pass down the same small yet meaningful traditions to my children that my mother and grandmother shared with me.
While I wouldn’t call myself a skilled baker, I fondly recall how my mother always made a pink strawberry cake with matching icing for each of my birthday celebrations. Now, I replicate that same cake for my daughters, year after year. Despite how my cake may look compared to her creations, I still remember it as the most delicious and beautiful cake imaginable. Remarkably, my mom once told me her cakes didn’t look any different from mine. It’s fascinating how our perceptions, particularly of childhood, shape our memories.
When I was a child, I somehow managed to fall ill whenever my grandmother came to visit. I’m still unsure how I pulled that off, but it became one of my most treasured memories. On my “sick days,” my grandmother would prepare peanut butter saltine crackers topped with sprinkles—her remedy for all ailments, even the pretend ones. Now, whenever my daughters feel unwell, I whip up the same snack, and nostalgia sweeps over me, filling me with warmth as I remember my grandmother.
During my senior year of high school, we were tasked with creating a scrapbook that chronicled our lives. One page was dedicated to the lunchbox notes from my mom. On tough days at school, finding an encouraging note in my lunchbox lifted my spirits. Even on the good days, receiving those little affirmations brightened my mood. Today, I continue this tradition by writing notes for my daughters to discover in their lunchboxes, and my husband and I leave sweet messages on their doors throughout February leading up to Valentine’s Day. From my experience, a simple thirty-second note can leave an everlasting impression on a heart.
One of the most rewarding aspects of motherhood is the ability to select which “little things” we wish to transform into lasting traditions. These don’t have to originate from our own childhood experiences either. A dear friend of mine shared a delightful tradition from her upbringing—her mom would add M&Ms to their popcorn bowls during family movie nights. Perhaps it was the joy in her voice that made this tradition resonate with me, or maybe it was simply the perfect balance of salty and sweet that drew me in. Whatever the case, it has become a special part of our movie nights and playdates.
My daughters may not yet grasp the meaning of the sign above our door, but it is my responsibility to demonstrate this truth until they not only understand the message but also embrace it. The cycle of cherishing the “little things” will continue, thanks to the lessons passed down from my grandmother and mother.
For more insights on creating meaningful family traditions, this is one of our other blog posts. Also, for those interested in understanding more about home insemination, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, celebrating the small moments can lead to profound memories that enrich our family lives. By embracing and passing down these traditions, we can foster love and connection through the years.