Holiday season is here and we hope you are able to slow down, spend meaningful time with family, and make memories that last.
But sometimes, the pressure of making the holiday season so perfect when our teens don’t even want to participate can be A LOT to figure out how to manage. As your kids grow older, their interests and schedules change and they may not be as excited about the same traditions they once loved. That’s why we want to share WHY this season may feel different than years past, plus what you can do to overcome it!
Why Holiday Traditions Matter
Holiday traditions are more than just activities. They bring everyone together and help create a sense of belonging. For your tweens and teens, who are trying to figure out who they are and how they fit into the world, traditions help them feel grounded and connected to family. Having things to look forward to every year also gives them a sense of continuity, even as they change!
And let’s not forget: traditions give your teen a chance to show who they are, too. Involving them in creating or adjusting traditions allows for them to feel their own sense of identity and gives them something to come back to, even as they become adults themselves.
Ask your teen what they want to try, change, or add to your holiday celebrations. Maybe they have a new movie they want to watch every year, or a dish they’d love to try making together.
By letting your teen help decide what traditions stick or what gets changed, they’re more likely to feel excited about the holidays.
Here are some of our Favorite Ideas for Family Traditions with Teens
They are meant to inspire you, but remember—there’s no right or wrong way to create traditions. What matters most is that everyone enjoys them!
- Holiday Movie Marathon – Pick a few movies that everyone in the family loves, or ask your teen to choose their favorites. You can have that movie on while you decorate for the season or bake together.
- DIY Gifts or Crafts – Spend an afternoon making homemade gifts or decorations together. It could be creating personalized ornaments or picture frames with a written memory on the back. This is a great way to bond while making something meaningful for other family members.
- Cook Together – Let your teen choose a recipe and take the lead in the kitchen. You can try a new recipe or choose a family recipe that’s been made for generations. Cooking is a fun way to connect and enjoy good food that everyone had a hand in making.
- Giving Back – Start a tradition of volunteering or donating to an organization that’s important to your teen. This can really help them experience the true spirit of the holidays.
- Game Night or Puzzle Night – Sometimes, it’s best to not overthink it and allow for the best traditions to be the simplest ones. Set aside time to play board games, card games, or work on a giant holiday puzzle as a family.
Let Your Teen Help Shape the Holiday Spirit
Keep in mind that when your teen gets involved, whether it’s choosing the music, decorating the house, or setting the table, they’re helping to create the atmosphere of the season. It can give them a sense of pride over the family’s holiday celebrations and makes each family member feel like they have their own role to play.
When teens feel involved and appreciated, they’re more likely to enjoy and carry on these traditions in the future, even when they’re older. It’s even in the little things. Maybe your teen is the one who always makes the hot cocoa or picks out the holiday playlist. These small contributions add up to big memories, and they help create the magic of the holidays.
So, this year, ask your teen what they’d like to add to your holiday traditions. Whether you’re trying something new or making small changes to old favorites, the holidays can continue to be a really special time for your family!
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Happy holidays to you and your family, wherever your traditions may take you!