The Importance of Family Traditions: Building a Connection with Your Teen

Holiday traditions are memory-creating events that help strengthen relationships. Often these memories warm our hearts later in adulthood as we recall past moments of intimacy, fun, love and joy. 

Start by reflecting on what matters most to your family.

Is it the joy of giving? Some families decide to focus on helping a less fortunate family with the teens doing the planning and taking the lead.

Is it doing activities together? Such as hiking a new park, taking a trip to see holiday lights, decorating a home together or their room, seeing a favorite holiday movie on tv together. There are so many ways to bond as a family during the holidays.

Identifying core values can also guide you towards traditions that truly reflect what your family cherishes about the holiday season.

Sharing your love of food is a major component in some family traditions, and certain beloved meals/desserts are made only during the holidays. 

For some, going to a Christmas market, or ice skating together as a family, or taking a trip to a city that is known for its holiday decorations and spirit (such as 5th Ave and Rockefeller Center in NYC),  making cookies together, or having egg nogg or hot chocolate.