The holiday season can be such a magical time of year in Birmingham, Alabama. There are trips to the Birmingham Zoo to see the Christmas lights or going to the Alabama Theatre to watch the Nutcracker Ballet. There are plenty of opportunities to see Santa Claus, look at neighborhood Christmas lights, or visit a parade in the areas of Homewood, Vestavia Hills, and Mountain Brook. There are also the traditions at home of putting up the tree and decorations, making gingerbread houses, baking cookies, watching movies, and drinking hot chocolate. When your children are young, you see the excitement in their eyes with each new tradition you embrace as a family. You watch as they gain a better understanding each year and come to expect the traditions you have put in place. But, before you know it, things start to change, they no longer believe in all the “magic” of Christmas and become teenagers. Now you are faced with trying to decide if you should keep up with all the holiday traditions, or just accept that your teens no longer need those family traditions.

We say KEEP THE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS! Holiday traditions are helpful for your teens and family and provide amazing benefits to bring your teen out of their shell! (Even if they don’t show it outwardly as much as you expect.)

Here are some benefits of keeping your traditions for your teens and family:

Fun Memories - Your teens may not show it as much as they did when they were young, but they are making memories and actually enjoying themselves. With all the pressure of being a teenager today, it is nice for them to let go and relive some of their favorite childhood traditions.
Interaction with Parents and Siblings - You have probably had moments where you feel like you aren’t getting enough quality time with your teens. You know they are getting closer to the time in life when they will be ready to go out on their own. They also probably don’t spend as much time with their siblings as they did when they were younger. The holidays are the perfect time to get everyone together enjoying those family traditions. Finding time to decorate cookies, piling up in the car to drive around and look at Christmas lights and decorations, watching new holiday movies, as well as each kid's favorites. Before you know it, you will see your teen smiling a bit more, teasing their sibling, and enjoying the holiday treats.
Embracing Family Values and Beliefs - One day you notice your teen is closer to adulthood than you care to admit. You find yourself wondering if you have done a good enough job to instill the values and beliefs that are important to your family. Keeping up with the holiday traditions provides them with the opportunity to embrace those values and beliefs.
Sense of Identity and Belonging - Most teenagers struggle with uncertainty at some point. Whether it is about themselves, if they fit in, their intelligence and abilities, etc or how others perceive them, they don’t always know who they are or where they belong. Keeping with your family traditions reminds your teen of where they came from. It gives them a sense of stability and security knowing they have a place and a role in each of the traditions you have as a family.

Even if your teenager isn’t showing the excitement they once showed in their younger years, keeping up with holiday traditions benefits them in so many ways. It provides them with the sense of belonging, security, and joy they need.

If your teen is struggling with the upcoming holiday season, and you feel they could use some extra support, please call us at (205) 538-3978. We have immediate availability.

If you have additional questions about Teen Counseling, visit our blogs for help:

Questions to ask a prospective teen therapist

What to Expect from Teen Therapy

Common Questions about Teen Therapy

If you are divorced and looking for help with co-parenting through the holidays, visit these blogs:

Co-Parenting & Holidays: Tips for Success (part 1)

Tips from a coparenting counselor: Rethinking holiday visitation custody schedules (part 2)