Kids like tradition. They like the idea that some times are special, celebratory times. It doesn't have to be religious to become tradition. After all, a great deal of the hype around Christmas and Easter has pretty much nothing to do with religion. Traditions give kids that sense of constancy and family; those traditions give them those stories and memories that they can tie to certain times of year. You don't have to have the same traditions you grew up with if those don't work for you. Create your own. Better yet, have your kids help you create them.