This program was an effort to share information about the importance of maintaining family traditions during holiday gatherings, while maintaining a budget, to families expecting children or with children younger than 90 days. This was a collaboration with the Johnson County Health Department, serving all of Johnson County residents. Although this is a program offered to everyone in the community, the socioeconomic status of the clientele represented during this event was very low; additionally, the poverty rate in Johnson County exceeds that of the national average.

Education was provided to participants about the importance of maintaining an/or beginning traditions with their children and an explanation of the long-term effects it can have on their development. The parents were given materials to continue learning at home and materials to begin a "Holiday Plate" tradition as suggested in the publication: Creating and Maintaining Family Traditions.

The Johnson County Health Department requested we prepare enough material for their 72 families. These families consist of 1 or more parent/grandparent as the primary caregiver and additional children within the home.

Upon conclusion of this program and take-home activity, participants will be more confident in their ability to create and maintain current family traditions at little to no cost during each season. By making these efforts, it is the primary goal of this program to support the development of children by equipping their parent/guardian with educational opportunities that they can provide within their homes.