How to establish your own family traditions as a young adult

As a young adult, the holidays are a wonderful time to establish a strong sense of self by creating your very own traditions. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, coworkers, or solo, it’s a great idea to identify and implement seasonal traditions that feel authentic to you. 

Navigating adulthood can be overwhelming, so you may be feeling the added pressures of social, financial, or logistical obligations this time of year. Rest assured that your traditions do not have to be complicated or expensive. The team at Bend is here to help you put together a game plan for this holiday season so that you can prioritize what matters the most to you. 

Why traditions matter

Did you have a special holiday tradition as a child? How did it make you feel? Maybe you grew up in a household where your parents had big festive parties. Or maybe you attended religious services together or had quiet meals at home. 

One of the best ways to establish your independence as a young adult is to create your very own traditions. These can be similar to the ones you loved as a child or they can be totally new and different! 

But what is a tradition? Well, it’s basically whatever you want it to be! Remember that there are no right or wrong answers here. A holiday tradition is any activity or behavior that reflects your values or beliefs. Some traditions may have symbolic or religious significance, and some may not. They can be as extravagant or as simple as you wish. 

Traditions are a great way to help you connect, feel grounded, and build your unique culture. And once you’ve established your traditions, they can be passed down from generation to generation. Everyone is welcome too — traditions can include blended families, extended family, members of the community, or friends.

Ideas for starting your own holiday traditions 

When establishing your own traditions, it can be helpful to first think about what matters most to you. Do you like to give back to your community? Do you like to be social and connect with others? Are you someone who likes to cook for or host others? Do you like to travel or stay home? 

Here are some ideas for starting your own traditions, so feel free to use them as inspiration for your own:

• Host a friendsgiving meal. Large family meals can be great, but they can also be full of complicated dynamics. Consider gathering your closest friends for a meal. It can be at a restaurant or at someone’s home. You can offer to cook, order takeout, or have everyone bring a dish. The priority here is connecting with those around you, so don’t feel pressure to make it a grand affair.
  
  
• Start a gift exchange. You can ask your friends or family to each bring one wrapped gift and have a White Elephant exchange, a raffle, or just a simple swap. Keep it budget-friendly or consider having everyone make a gift. Cookie swaps can be fun for everyone too!
  
  
• Volunteer for a cause that you care about. The holidays are a great time to give back to your community. Identify a cause or organization that you’d like to support and see what opportunities they have available. Maybe you could write letters to those who may be feeling lonely this time of year, collect coats to donate, prepare a meal at a community kitchen, start a toy drive, or foster an animal. Make it an annual pledge to yourself to show up and give back each year. 

• Pay a visit. Go see a loved one or neighbor who isn’t able to leave their home and bring a small gift like baked goods or a handmade card.
  
  
• Start a game night tradition. Do you have friends in town for the holidays? Or classmates that are in need of some social interaction? Invite them over to play one of your favorite board games. You can even do a digital detox together by putting away phones and all electronic devices during this time. 

• Decorate your home. Put together a playlist of your favorite holiday songs and dance around while decorating the house. Bonus points for including special drinks like hot cocoa.
  
  
• Take a nature walk. Getting outside and moving your body can really help you get through a holiday slump. You can invite others to join you for a memorable hike on a day that feels right for you.
  
  
• Gather everyone for a festive craft. Encourage those around you to express themselves creatively, while spending quality time together. Create gingerbread houses, floral wreaths, greeting cards, garland, ornaments, or design a tablescape from objects found in nature.
  
  
• Take time to honor loved ones who have passed away. This is a great opportunity to bring out family photo albums and share stories of your ancestors.
  
  
• Host a holiday movie night. Is there a movie that puts you in the holiday spirit? Invite your loved ones over, set out bowls of popcorn, and enjoy your first annual holiday movie night! 

The holidays can bring up a lot of feelings, so be sure to participate in activities that fill you up. Surround yourself with supportive people and reach out to the team at Bend if you could use some extra support. We’ll be here for you!

‍