Traditions and cultures can be wonderful. One of my favorite traditions is when I get to help my family in putting all the Christmas decorations on our Christmas tree, and one of my favorite things about my culture is the focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ. We all look forward to the days we celebrate our traditions and in which we actively participate in our culture.

However, there are also many traditions (inherited patterns of behavior and beliefs) and cultures that do not edify and uplift us and our families; in fact, there are many traditions and cultures that may be detrimental to our families. For example, many in the United States used to have the tradition of slavery; they believed African Americans to be unequal. We all know the untruthfulness and the damage this tradition brought to individuals and families alike. In this post, I will discuss some of the traditions and cultures that may encourage or not encourage the best in families. I will also discuss some of the traditions and aspects of my culture that I desire to keep and pass on as well as ones I desire to discard.

Detrimental Traditions:

Some examples of traditions that are detrimental to the family include:

1. Premarital Sex
2. Cohabitation
3. Emotional Abuse
4. Physical Abuse
5. Drug Abuse
6. Divorce
7. Low Education

Detrimental Aspects of Culture:

Some examples of detrimental aspects of culture include demeaning social institutions, such as thinking a group of people are inferior (stereotypes, racism, and being closed off from the world (overprotective, overly closed family life, etc.)

Positive Traditions and Cultures:

Some examples of positive traditions and cultures are traditions and cultures that strengthen the family and bring them together, such as wholesome family recreation (e.g. going on vacation every summer). quality time (e.g. talking and confiding), saying “I love you”, giving hugs and kisses, being open with one another, communicating effectively and with kindness, and religious activity.

Traditions I Desire to Keep:

I want to keep these traditions:

1. Having big Sunday dinners
2. Having a family get-together every month
3. Having family prayer and scripture study every night
4. Being a stay-at-home mom while my children are going to school
5. Saying “I love you” all the time
6. Giving hugs when we come home
7. Be kind and humble, always
8. Help anyone who is in need if we have the means to help
9. Go to church every Sunday
10. Go camping in the summer

Traditions I Want to Discard:

1. Worrying and/or fighting about little things
2. Divorce
3. Cohabitation
4. Abuse

Aspects of my Culture I Desire to Keep

1. Living the gospel of Jesus Christ and following Him
2. Having openness and good communication with my family
3. Being warm toward family and all people
4. Rising early and going to bed early

Aspects of my Culture I Want to Discard:

1. A tendency to be lazy/idle
2. A tendency to be perfectionist
3. Under-planning and under-acting on set plans

I desire to keep the aforementioned traditions and cultures because they bring much joy and success into my life. In addition, they benefit, uplift, and inspire not only me, but also my husband and family, and I desire to do everything and anything I can to bless my family for years to come. I desire to get rid of the aforementioned detrimental traditions and cultures because they do and will not serve me nor my family; they bring misery and a life that is not as full as it could be. I would invite you to look into your own life and rid of any of the detrimental traditions and/or cultures that are making your life and your family’s life unhappy or not-as-good as it could be. If it is not serving you, it is not worth your time. You CAN change your culture, I promise. I also invite you to create and encourage more positive and uplifting traditions into your life that will benefit both you and your families. I know you and your family will be blessed for your efforts and the changes that will come. May our Heavenly Father help you in your journey!