holiday article

About this sample

I wrote this bylined article, “Tradition! Creating Holiday Memories in 2010 (and Beyond),” for the Winter 2010 issue of Latter-Day Woman magazine.

The assignment was a 1,000-word article. I pitched the idea for holiday tradition ideas and came up with a holiday sidebar for the piece.

I also edited articles for the Winter 2010 issue and helped compile the recipes for a “What’s Your Holiday Flavor?” article.

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Some traditions work well with little advanced notice, while others require more planning and support from the group to be successful. As you explore the possibilities of a new tradition, consider involving family members in the process. What kinds of activities would they be interested in doing? What have they seen friends and ward members do in the past? Do they have any needs, ideas, or concerns that you haven’t yet considered? Be sure to add any feedback they provide to your list.

Focus on Teamwork
Although it may be beneficial to have a ringleader for your tradition, by no means should one person be required to shoulder the load alone. In reality, the most enjoyable traditions are those that are planned and executed by all involved. If it’s a dinner you are planning, create meal assignments for each adult and encourage everyone to help clean up afterward. Make it clear that your fun activity is a team activity and can only work with everyone’s help. Then be an example in delegating tasks to others and happily taking assignments when they are given.