5 unique ways to celebrate holidays family style

Holiday traditions can be as classic or as unique as you’d like. If you are hunting for holiday traditions regardless of the holiday itself, you’ll want to really think about what each holiday means to your family and how you can make celebrating it a family event. These unique and modern suggestions will help you do it in true style.

5 family-oriented holiday traditions

As you’ll see, all of these 5 suggestions are intended to be family-focused and also make sure that you can customize them to be whatever feels right for you and your loved ones regardless of the holiday.

1. Enjoy “family secret” recipes: Maybe it’s a shortbread cookie recipe, or maybe it’s something like gravy or rice krispie squares or even chocolates! Whatever kind of recipes that you have for any or every holiday, add something special to them — big or small — and then it can be family secret recipe that no one else knows! It’s a great way to make something a true family event.

2. Pumpkin funeral: Hallowe’en, outside of trick-or-treating isn’t often full of traditions, which makes it the perfect place to add in something unique like a pumpkin funeral. The day after Halloween, have a funeral for all of your carved pumpkins where you call them by name and pay your respects. It can be silly, serious or fun depending on what kind of family vibe you’re looking to set.

3. New Year fresh starts: New Years is great for traditions, but it’s also a wonderful time to really add a serious vibe into the holiday. Instead of announcing new year’s resolutions, try the idea of writing down some of the worst or hardest parts of your year on a piece of paper and then throwing it into a bonfire or even just lighting it on fire with a match. Visually watching everything negative disappear can help keep it serious but still lightweight. It’s a great bonding activity, too, especially if you share them with each other.

4. Family favorite annual holiday films: Whether it’s Christmas movies, Hallowe’en movies, Valentine’s Day movies or just random films, pick a few favorite ones and enjoy them every year on their respective holidays. Even if you’re watching a Valentine’s Day movie on Easter, does it really matter? It’s a great family-centered holiday tradition where you can enjoy something together.

5. Prioritize holiday events that are family-friendly: While work events are normal around the holidays, try to focus on family-friendly socials and events wherever possible so that you can always enjoy holiday time together as much as possible.

Family bonding isn’t always about having dinner together or special tuck-ins. It’s about having dedicated family time around any and all holidays in a way that feels right for your family unit in particular. It’s a great way for kids to feel close to their family even when things get busy or tricky.