My Favorite Weekend Family Traditions: The Simple Moments That Keep Us Grounded

Weekends used to be about catching up — catching up on emails, catching up on sleep, catching up on everything I felt behind on. But somewhere along the way, especially as our family grew and life got busier, weekends turned into something different.

They became sacred.

Not because we do anything extravagant, but because the simplest moments with my family are often the most meaningful. These traditions have become anchors in our week — reminders of what matters most, reminders of who I want to be as a father and husband, and reminders of why family always comes first.

Here are the weekend traditions that keep us grounded, connected, and grateful.

1. Saturday Morning Breakfast — Everyone Together

No matter how busy the week is, Saturday mornings belong to us.

Sometimes we cook pancakes. Sometimes eggs and bacon. Sometimes the kids take over and decide we’re having “creative breakfast” (which can mean anything from breakfast tacos to cereal with fruit and whipped cream). Whatever we eat, what I love is that everyone is in the kitchen.

Phones down. Music on. People talking over each other. Kids grabbing ingredients. Someone inevitably burns something. And it’s perfect.

There’s something about gathering for a meal you made together that sets the tone for the entire weekend.

2. Family Errands — But We Make It Fun

Yes, errands. The most ordinary part of life has become one of my favorite traditions.

When the kids were younger, errands were a survival exercise. Now, they’ve become a form of connection. We talk in the car. We joke around. Sometimes we debate music choices. Sometimes the kids open up about school, sports, friends, or something on their mind.

It’s during these “ordinary moments” that I hear what my kids are really thinking. And that makes them extraordinary.

3. Saturday Afternoon Athletics — Supporting Each Other

With a big family, there is always a game, meet, or practice happening somewhere.

Supporting each other is a Wickstrom standard. Whether it’s football, track, baseball, soccer, or school activities, we show up. We cheer. We celebrate the little moments. We talk on the drive home about effort, character, teamwork, and what each kid learned that day.

As a former athlete, these moments are special. But as a father, they’re irreplaceable.

4. Sunday Reset — Faith, Food, Family

Sundays are slower. More reflective. More intentional.

We go to church. We talk about gratitude. We check in with each other. We plan for the week. And we remind our kids — and ourselves — that faith and family are the core of everything else.

After church, we usually cook a big meal, relax, watch a game together, play with the dog, or sit outside and talk.

It’s not about what we do.
It’s about being together.

5. The Weekend Walk — My Personal Reset Button

One of my favorite traditions is a simple one: a walk.

Sometimes with one of the kids. Sometimes with all of them. Sometimes alone.

It’s during these walks that I recharge. I reflect. I breathe. I remind myself of the bigger picture. I think about how fast life moves and how important it is to be present.

I’ve had some of the best conversations of my life during these walks.

Why These Traditions Matter

As leaders, it’s easy to get caught up in performance, pressure, and productivity. But family keeps you grounded in purpose.

These traditions remind me:

• Who I’m working for

• What really matters

• How important it is to slow down

• That joy is often simple

• That presence matters more than perfection

Our kids won’t remember the emails I sent or the meetings I led.
They’ll remember pancakes, walks, cheering, laughing, and the simple moments we shared.

That’s why weekends matter so much to me.