A family tradition to launch the year with joy, connection, and FUN
Every August, before the school year crashes in with schedules, permission slips, and that perpetual hunt for matching socks, our family claims one night to celebrate.
We call it our Back-to-School Bash.
It's not elaborate—no Pinterest-worthy decorations or color-coordinated anything. But it is one of our favorite family traditions. And it's become the night our kids talk about all year long.
Here's what we do, and how you can easily snag the idea without adding another thing to your already-overflowing to-do list.
1. Start with a Meal That Feels Different.
We kick off the night with dinner outside, which immediately signals that something's up. The whole vibe is slow, unhurried, and deliberately not rushed. For once, nobody's checking the clock or their electronics.
Here's our simple formula:
- Dinner on the back patio (bugs and all)
- Special dishes or paper plates that feel festive
- Comfort food that makes everyone happy
Your version might look like:
- Picnic on the living room floor with all the throw pillows
- Breakfast for dinner (pancakes with every topping you own)
- Takeout eaten by candlelight or string lights
- Letting your kids plan the entire meal (embrace the chaos)
You're not going for Instagram-worthy. You're going for not-dinner-as-usual. That's the magic ingredient.
2. Do Something Unexpected Just Because.
After dinner, we head outside for a night swim—something we literally never do. Add a handful of dollar-store glow sticks to the pool water, and suddenly it's a celebration.
Your version may look like:
- Flashlight tag in the dark or an impromptu backyard dance party
- Ice cream run in pajamas (yes, to the actual store)
- Game tournament with ridiculous prizes and team names
- Backyard movie night with more blankets than you thought you owned
This intentional element of surprise transforms an ordinary night into a memory.
3. Start with Special. Move to Significant.
While everyone's working on dessert (ice cream sundaes are our go-to, but s'mores work too), we slow everything down. My husband and I take turns commending each child in front of the family. We tell them what we see in them—how they've grown, their strengths, the unique glimmers of who God made them to be, and what we're excited to watch unfold in the year ahead.
It's never a lecture or a pep talk. It's just a pause in all the noise to say we see you and God's writing your story into an amazing adventure.
What this actually looks like:
- Direct attention while dessert happens around us
- Affirming who they are, not just what they do
- Simple, honest encouragement rooted in love and faith
If you want to try something similar:
- Use starter phrases that feel natural to you:
- "Something I've noticed about you this summer is..."
- "I see God growing this strength in you..."
- "I wonder what new things you'll discover about yourself this year..."
- "I think God is going to..."
- Let siblings jump in with encouragement if they want to (but not required)
- Write it down if speaking it feels intimidating
- End with a prayer or blessing if that fits your family
Even a few intentional words can stick with a child for months. Sometimes years. These conversations become part of how they see themselves.
The Point Isn't Perfection—It's Presence.
This isn't about copying our exact night. It's about finding a simple way to help your kids feel celebrated and seen before the school year begins.
So whether you go big or keep it simple, create your own version. Light a candle. Play a game. Eat the good ice cream. Say the words that matter.
These are the moments our kids carry with them—and the ones that change us too.
The school year's coming whether we're ready or not. But we get to choose how we step into it. Step in celebrating!
