Offers instructions or "recipes" for creating new family rituals or traditions, in categories such as "holidays," "family festivities and ceremonies," and "rites of passage."

Suggestions for today's busy families of activities and rituals that can be used to start family traditions.

When we think about Thanksgiving we contemplate history, the autumn harvest, and, of course, eating turkey and watching football. But most of all, we think about family, friends, and the bounty of our country. Edward Bleier’s The Thanksgiving Ceremony introduces a brand-new tradition for the Thanksgiving table, offering a wonderful way for all Americans to give thanks and rejoice in the sense of togetherness and community this special holiday brings. The heart of the book is a participatory ceremony designed to be read aloud around the table. It recounts the story of the early settlers and the challenges they, and all subsequent immigrant generations, faced. The ceremony provides roles for guests of all ages and takes about twenty minutes. There is also a brief history of Thanksgiving, as well as a wide array of poems, hymns, songs, prayers, and readings that enable families to create and customize their own ceremony, including pieces by Maya Angelou, Irving Berlin, Woodie Guthrie, and Emily Dickinson. As William Safire writes in his foreword, “Getting together for a grand dinner party may be glorious fun, but a holiday should have a focus”—one that reminds us why we celebrate it. This long-overdue book offers that focus in a short, elegant format that any gathering of family and friends can participate in, and enjoy, for many years to come. Praise for The Thanksgiving Ceremony: "The Thanksgiving Ceremony is a small gem—a book that brings to life the history, songs, and traditions, old and new, of the most widely celebrated holiday of the year. This is a buoyant book, full of hope and praise of all that makes us Americans."—Julie Nixon Eisenhower "There are times, like these, when it's important to count our blessings. Ed Bleier's delightful book lets us do the math."—Alan Alda and Arlene Alda "This great country has provided the 'music' and this book provides the eloquent 'lyrics' for the Thanksgiving tables of all Americans, regardless of race or religion. It's a joyous tribute to who we are, and can be, as Americans."—Quincy Jones "Over the years, I've had so many Thanksgiving dinners with Ed and Magda that when Ed Bleier talks turkey, all of us listen."—Steven Spielberg "The Thanksgiving Ceremony is a wonderful and moving idea. It is central to what we celebrate and a happy reminder of why America's principles endure as they do."—Peter Jennings and Kayce Freed From the Hardcover edition.

There’s something tender, sacred and very special about family traditions. Some are inherited from past generations, and some are born within your own family. Either way, traditions create closeness and seal the ties that bind families together. In Creating Family Traditions, Gloria Gaither and Shirley Dobson share their own ideas that will help make meaningful, long-lasting memories throughout the years to come. It’s packed with easy-to-do, fun-filled activities for holidays and special occasions through all the seasons of the year, and can be enjoyed by all, from toddlers to grandparents. This is the second book in the Let’s Make a Memory series. There’s something tender, sacred and very special about family traditions. Some are inherited from past generations, and some are born within your own family. Either way, traditions create closeness and seal the ties that bind families together. In Creating Family Traditions, Gloria Gaither and Shirley Dobson share their own ideas that will help make meaningful, long-lasting memories throughout the years to come. It’s packed with easy-to-do, fun-filled activities for holidays and special occasions through all the seasons of the year, and can be enjoyed by all, from toddlers to grandparents. This is the second book in the Let’s Make a Memory series. Story Behind the Book We believed that the best memories aren’t necessarily made of grand plans, vacation budgets or whole weekend outings. Indeed, the best memories are often made of delight in silly, simple things, and the most precious moments are just that – only moments: a hug, a tickling match, a pillow fight, a surprise stop for ice cream, or a detour from the ordinary to see the stars. This collection of ideas is meant to be just that – ideas. They may make you think of even better ways to create traditions, but these are places to start. May we all hold each other a little more closely and remember “home” a little more fondly because of ordinary days made holy by the sacrament of loving. From the Hardcover edition.

A guide for Jewish families on how to incorporate Jewish traditions into their lives including bedtime and morning rituals, the meaning of the holidays, and advice on communicating codes of behavior to children.

Families will treasure this collection of rituals and traditions for many occasions, from such personal milestones as a child's first day of school or a teenager's new driver's license to mainstream holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries. Special celebrations in a warm family setting help foster self-esteem and creativity, open up communication channels, and may even entice older children to stay at the dinner table a little longer. Such cherished events can be as simple as a Sunday lunch orchestrated by the kids. Each ritual is inspired by those of real families. Their stories are shared, along with practical instructions on how to implement and tailor the ritual to one's own family. All it takes is organziation, imagination, and a willingness to resist outside interference for a few precious moments.

This dazzling collection of recipes, style advice, and decorating ideas will help every family bring grace and passion to the holiday season.