Ah, Christmas. The time of year when the air is filled with the scent of pine, the sound of jingle bells, and the sight of… teenagers rolling their eyes at your festive enthusiasm. If you’re like me, a dad trying to keep the Christmas spirit alive, you might have noticed that things change as your kids grow older. Gone are the days when they were thrilled by a visit to Santa or a simple string of lights. Now, everything feels a bit more procedural, like we’re all just going through the motions. But fear not. Here are some tips to shake things up and find that elusive holiday magic again.
1. Revamp traditions for teen appeal
Let’s face it—teens aren’t exactly jumping for joy at the idea of decorating gingerbread houses or watching The Polar Express for the umpteenth time. To keep them engaged, consider updating your traditions. How about a family cook-off where everyone competes to make the best holiday dish? Or maybe a Christmas-themed escape room challenge at home? Teens love a bit of competition and creativity, and these activities can bring back some excitement to your holiday routine. I have been thinking of new board games and maybe a family puzzle. We shall see. One thing is for certain. Food is the silver bullet to keep things happy. Lots and lots of salty snacks at the ready.
2. Break free from the holiday hamster wheel
If your holiday season feels like you’re stuck on a treadmill—same decorations, same events, same everything—it’s time to hit pause and rethink. Try something completely new this year. Maybe take a spontaneous day trip to a nearby town with festive decorations or pick up some ugly sweaters for everyone to wear. Breaking out of the routine can reignite that festive feeling and make Christmas feel fresh again.
3. Combat holiday marketing overload
Is it just me, or does it seem like Christmas marketing starts earlier every year? By the time December rolls around, we’re already exhausted from all the jingles and sales pitches. To combat this fatigue, focus on experiences rather than things. Plan an outing to see local holiday lights or organize a family game night with hot chocolate and marshmallows. These moments are what your family will remember—not the latest gadget or toy.
4. Embrace humour and imperfection
Let’s be real—Christmas isn’t perfect, and that’s okay. Embrace the chaos and find humour in it. Did you accidentally burn the cookies? Call them “extra crispy” and laugh it off. Did your teen put up all the ornaments on one side of the tree because they were too busy texting? Call it “abstract art.” By not taking things too seriously, you’ll create a more relaxed atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. I am not that concerned about this one in our house. It’s usually pretty relaxed and maybe we need to go the other way.
5. Get everyone involved
Teenagers often feel more invested in activities they have a say in. Let them take charge of planning one aspect of Christmas this year—whether it’s choosing the playlist for Christmas morning or deciding on a new family tradition to start. Giving them ownership can make them feel more engaged and less like they’re just along for the ride. The trick for this is actually getting those amazing ideas out of their heads. They are there. But if your teens are like mine, they are much more likely to give a quick answer like “I don’t know”, or “I like how it is”, just to get the conversation over with. Paper or even asking them to create a list on their phone is more likely to happen.
6. Find joy in small things
With all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to overlook the small joys of the season. Take time to appreciate these moments: sipping tea while watching snow fall outside, sharing stories around a fire, or simply enjoying a quiet evening with your family without any screens involved (gasp). These simple pleasures often hold more magic than any big event. This goes for the parents as well, even after the kids go to bed.
7. Reflect on what matters most
During all the holiday chaos, don’t forget to pause and reflect on what truly matters—spending time with loved ones and being grateful for what you have. As I have gotten older, I do this more and more. Remembering my favourite moments from Christmas past. Especially when the boys were little.
Encourage your family to share something they’re thankful for each day leading up to Christmas. It’s a great way to foster gratitude and remind everyone about the true spirit of the season.
How will you rediscover the Christmas spirit?
So there you have it—a dad’s guide to finding (and keeping) that Christmas spirit alive even as your kids grow older and more skeptical of your holiday cheer efforts. Remember, Christmas isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection—and definitely sneaking in some dad jokes along the way.
