Christy Borgeld founded the National Stepfamily day in 1997 to celebrate the strong blended family structure. Also, to recognize every stepfamily member for the tremendous effort they put into making their family work. It’s celebrated annually on September 16th in the U.S.
For several years, blended families have dealt with negative stereotypes and stories portraying the family unit as ill-equipped to navigate family life. However, with an increasing number of stepfamilies across the globe, more families are finding useful resources to overcome the stigma and damaging narrative.
It’s entirely up to you and your family how you decide to spend this holiday. However, make sure the activities lined up will bring the entire family closer. Below are some tips to help you celebrate this holiday as a family.
Make Room for Everyone
Choose activities everyone in your family can be a part of and enjoy. If you’ve been blended a while, you should have an idea of everyone’s interest.
It’s important to pick activities that include every family member – no one should feel left out. A picnic with board games or a movie date can be a thing of interest for everyone.
Family Mealtime
Nothing speaks celebration better than a family gathering to eat with the finest linens, china, sumptuous delicacies, and a table full of laughter. So get started with the preparations and reward everyone in your household with a good time.
Successfully blending two families takes a great amount of patience, trust, and commitment. This is why taking a day to celebrate your efforts in creating a new family unit is essential.
As a new blended family, you may be apprehensive about celebrating the National Stepfamily day. However, there’re several reasons why you should.
The Holiday is an Opportunity to Reset
As with every family unit, your family may be struggling with small or big conflicts. Taking time out to celebrate and be thankful can give you and your family a better mindset.
A positive mindset will play a significant role in future endeavors. So, taking time to appreciate your blended family can help you all reboot your thinking.
A Time to Communicate and Bond
Holidays are the best for bonding. Take the National Stepfamily day as an opportunity for a family bonding.
Asides the mouth-watering dishes and happy-go-lucky attitude everyone may be putting up, seize the opportunity to get intimate with one another. It’s a great time for everyone to show some transparency and talk about how they’re truly feeling.
Proudly Celebrating the Stepfamily Holiday will Fight the Stigma
Celebrating your blended family can fight the stigma and change the public perception of what a blended family looks like. Also, it’s an opportunity to chase away the shadows of doubts and negativity some family members may be experiencing.
It’s important to find something to bond over as a family. Here’re five bonding activities every stepfamily can enjoy.
