As children grow up, and as we build a safety nest that will eventually become an empty nest, something quietly holds the family together. It is the rituals we create and nurture while our children are still growing within that nest. We often recognize the importance of these rituals only when our children leave home to discover lives of their own. The little traditions, annual outings, familiar celebrations and shared experiences that once seemed ordinary suddenly become the threads that keep us connected across distances.
When we don't consciously build such rituals while our children are growing up, the transition to an empty nest can feel even more pronounced. Having something familiar to look forward to, year after year, gives everyone a reason to come together, even when life takes them in different directions.
Diwali is just around the corner, and I thought this would be a lovely opportunity to share one of my family's most cherished traditions. It is a Diwali ritual that has been going strong for over 20 years now, and counting! What began as a family outing, traveling or simply spending time together during Diwali, gradually evolved over the years. Before I became a mother, we would travel as a family or host other family members during the festive season. Eventually, our annual big family getaway shifted to the summer vacations, while Diwali became our little trio vacation.
The three of us started getting creative about choosing destinations, often with age-appropriate experiences and learning opportunities in mind. Over the years, we have explored water parks, forest trails, mountain hikes, beaches and oceans, safaris, night skies and historical places. Every year brought a new destination, a new experience and a fresh collection of memories. And that is precisely why I am sharing this.
Rituals like these create a strong bond between parents and growing children. They give everyone something to anticipate, plan and look forward to every year. They become a beautiful space for creating memories, learning new things, laughing together and simply enjoying each other's company. As children grow older and eventually move out, these shared traditions can become an anchor. The memories associated with them give children a reason to protect that annual time with their families, even when careers, relationships, travel and the demands of their own lives compete for their attention.
I love the thought that something we started doing years ago, without knowing how meaningful it would become, might continue to hold us together for decades to come. What are the rituals your family looks forward to every year?
I would love for you to share them with me. I am planning a follow-up post next month featuring ten creative family rituals, with due credit to the families who have inspired them. Think of it as a ready reckoner of ideas you can borrow, adapt and build into your own family traditions. If you would like your ritual to be considered among the top ten, write to me at support@snigdha-shevade.com and tell me about it. I would love to hear your story!
And if you would like to explore more ideas around building meaningful family connections through every stage of parenting, pick up a copy of my book, Safety Nesters to Empty Nesters. It also makes a thoughtful Diwali gift for someone you know who is raising a family or is an empty nester.
