Holidays & Traditions: The Little Rituals That Shape Us ~ 013

Big Little Lessons

What if the traditions we choose—old or new—shape the memories our children carry into adulthood?

In this reflective and heartwarming episode of Big Little Lessons, Jenny and Kristine explore the power of traditions—at school, at home, and in our communities. Drawing on decades of teaching kindergarten, they share how simple rituals help children feel seen, grounded, and connected, especially during the holiday season.

Listeners will hear stories from the classroom and insights into how traditions build identity, gratitude, and joyful memories over time. Jenny and Kristine unpack how to hold on to traditions that still serve us—and how to gently let go or reimagine the ones that don’t.

Whether you’re navigating holiday chaos, looking to introduce inclusive rituals in your classroom, or hoping to create meaningful traditions at home, this episode offers both inspiration and practical ideas for cultivating rhythms that truly matter.

Pumpkin Bread Recipe (Jenny & Kristine’s Holiday Favorite!)

A cozy, fragrant tradition straight from our kitchens to yours. Perfect for fall mornings, classroom treats, or holiday gatherings.

Wet Ingredients

• 3 eggs

• ¾ cup oil

• 1 small can pumpkin

• ½ cup water

• 1 tsp vanilla

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups sugar

• 2 ½ cups flour

• ¾ tsp cinnamon

• ¾ tsp nutmeg

• ¾ tsp ginger

• 1 ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 ¼ tsp salt

Optional Mix-Ins

• Mini chocolate chips

• Chopped pecans

• Walnuts

• Raisins

Instructions

• In a large bowl, whisk together all wet ingredients.

• In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients.

• Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until well blended.

• Pour batter into well-greased mini loaf pans, filling each about ⅔ full.

• Bake at 350°F for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Cool slightly, slice, and enjoy warm—or wrap and share as a sweet holiday tradition.

Myquillyn Smith, The Nester

Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.” We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.

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