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Years ago, I drove through a custard stand with my three young children. As they were contemplating toppings, I saw the topping options and exclaimed, “They offer pretzel toppings!”
My kiddos were surprised by my excitement about this familiar item on the menu. However, my excitement stemmed from childhood memories of putting crunched pretzels on our ice cream at home in Ohio.
As a grown-up in Texas, I had never seen pretzels as a frozen treat topping option on a menu. It was an unexpected, happy surprise!
From that drive-through experience, I created a family ritual called “Pretzel Moments.” At unexpected times, a real pretzel or even a digital pretzel emoji can be given to a family member. The pretzel signals the anticipation of an unexpected, happy surprise!
The surprises vary from small moments, like a visit to a new claw machine game spot, to bigger moments, like revealing a special destination for a family vacation.
As we approach this holiday season, what family ritual can you create or reinforce for your family? Feel free to use “Pretzel Moments” or your version of it.
I would love to hear how you make memories, so please share them with me.
Enjoy making new memories this holiday season!