The holidays are often synonymous with stress—whether it’s managing gift shopping, cooking large meals, or dealing with family dynamics. However, this time of year can also be an opportunity to foster connection and joy within your family. Instead of getting caught in past tensions or the pressures of perfection, consider starting new traditions that are simple, meaningful, and stress-free. These traditions can help bring families closer together, create lasting memories, and make the holidays more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Start By Gratitude Sharing
One tradition that can help shift the focus from materialism and stress to reflection and appreciation is gratitude-sharing. Before or after your holiday meal, gather your family together and take turns sharing what you are most thankful for that year. This simple practice can be done in person or virtually, depending on where family members are located.
The beauty of this tradition lies in its simplicity and emotional impact. It gives everyone an opportunity to reflect on positive moments and express gratitude, which can be especially helpful in families that have experienced challenges or tensions. Gratitude can foster feelings of warmth and connection, while also serving as a reminder of what truly matters: love, support, and togetherness. Plus, the practice of gratitude has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being, making it a win-win for your family.
Enjoy A (Friendly) Family Game Night
For many families, the holidays are a time to unwind and spend quality time together. One low-stress tradition that can easily become a favorite is family game night. This could involve board games, card games, or even collaborative online games if your family is spread out geographically. The key is to keep it lighthearted and inclusive, making sure that everyone, regardless of age, feels comfortable participating.
By focusing on play and laughter, game nights can help break down barriers and ease any underlying tension. They encourage teamwork, communication, and the shared joy of spending time together, without the pressure of perfecting a meal or finding the ideal gift. You can make game nights even more meaningful by incorporating a fun theme each year or creating a family championship trophy that gets passed down each holiday season.
Start Volunteering as a Family
Incorporating acts of kindness into your holiday traditions can help shift the focus away from stress and materialism toward empathy and generosity. Volunteering together as a family offers an opportunity to give back to your community, while also building connections with one another. Whether it’s serving at a local soup kitchen, donating gifts to a family in need, or participating in a charity walk, the act of volunteering helps everyone remember the value of helping others.
This tradition also provides an excellent opportunity to teach younger family members the importance of giving back. Volunteering can be done in a way that suits your family’s interests, and it’s an activity that brings people together through shared purpose, creating an emotional bond that can last long after the holiday season.
Participate in Outdoor Adventuring or Nature Walks
Sometimes the best way to bond with family is simply by getting outside, away from screens and the hustle of daily life. Whether it’s a winter hike, a walk through a decorated neighborhood, or a day trip to a local park, spending time in nature together is an ideal way to connect. Nature walks don’t require extensive planning or cost, and they can be done at any time during the holiday season.
The benefits of outdoor activities are well-documented, including improved mood and reduced stress. Being in nature helps to reset the mind and body, providing a refreshing break from the typical holiday chaos. Plus, being outdoors offers the perfect environment for casual conversation and building memories without any pressure. You can also combine nature walks with other traditions, like gratitude sharing or a family photo session, to make the experience even more meaningful.
Create New Memories by Family Traditions
The holidays are a time to build memories, not just create the “perfect” celebration. By starting traditions like gratitude circles, family game nights, volunteering, creating memory jars, and going on nature walks, you can help shift the focus from stress and past tensions to building a stronger, more connected family. These simple yet meaningful practices encourage bonding and offer the opportunity to make the holidays more fulfilling. So this season, choose traditions that are low-stress and centered around connection, and watch your family grow closer together.
Source: Segarra, Thomas, Nguyen (2022) When to Let Go of Old Family Traditions and Create New Ones
Source: Feeding America Staff (2023) Five Benefits of Volunteering As A Family
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