Traditions are wonderful family experiences that create memories for years to come.  When we start a tradition with our family we hope that it is carried on for generations.  Traditions create warmth, unity, love, and security within a family.  We have Christmas Traditions (The Christmas Pickle, Reindeer Pancakes, the Elf on the Shelf), Tooth Fairy Traditions,  St. Patrick’s Day Traditions, and Back to School Traditions at our house.

If you are wondering, I definitely have a problem with the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid), and I know it.  My belief is that I have 18 years with my girls.  I WILL make those years memorable and I will create traditions that they either grow up to think are ridiculous or that make them smile or that they continue with their own families.  A few minutes of my day (in which there are 1,440 minutes) to do something fun for my girls is totally worth it. Despite listing off all the family traditions that we have, they really don’t take a long time to prepare for and execute.  My girls are so excited for each of these things, that I just can’t help doing them year after year.

Today is the last day of summer vacation.  I am up early (practicing for my big day tomorrow) and my girls are still asleep for a few more minutes.  I have the realization that summer goes by way too quickly.  Celebrating “the last” is defeating.  To have a “Last Day of Summer” celebration (when it is still technically summer – today is only August 6) is not nearly as positive as having a day dedicated to School Year’s Eve.  There’s New Year’s Eve and now there is School Year’s Eve.

How to Celebrate School Year’s Eve

1) Start the day with a breakfast bar.  This breakfast is complete with pancakes in the shape of your child’s grade.  A pancake pen would add a ton of fun to your School Year’s Eve Breakfast.

2) Have a Back to School Fashion Show.  Those new clothes hanging in the closet waiting for the first day of school have been screaming your child’s name!  Roll out the red carpet (i.e. a blanket or a row of towels), and have a fashion show with the new school clothes.

3) Fill out a First Day of School Memory page  (don’t worry, we have one here) so you can record and remember your child at this particular age and stage.

4) Create a video interview with your child.  As questions including:
What is your full name?  What is your address?  What grade are you going into?  Who are your best friends? What is your favorite sport?  Who is the president?  How much does a gallon of gas cost?  What do you want to be when you grow up?

5) Make a special dessert…..like a yellow cake or a giant cookie with your child’s grade on it.

6) Plan a nice dinner.  If you eat at home add some confetti or streamers to the table.  If you eat out let your child pick the restaurant.

However you spend School Year’s Eve….have a great day!  Follow our Back to School Board on Pinterest for more great ideas.