During the festive season, our Brooklyn home fills up with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and little ones. I adore the delightful chaos of a bustling household, but there’s one downside: in previous years, if you glanced around the living room, you’d often see nearly all the adults and teens glued to their phones.
“Let’s have a game of Monopoly!” I suggested one year, attempting to gather everyone around the board game set out on the coffee table. “We are already playing,” my cousin shouted, eyes still fixed on his phone, pointing at his dad on the other side of the room. “Ah, right,” I replied, realizing they were engaged in an online game.
However! Two years ago, my cousin Jeremy, now a father of two in Pittsburgh renowned for his hearty laugh and the ability to whip up a pasta feast to rival The Godfather, proposed an idea: “What if we prohibit phones in shared spaces? Adults can check their messages in the bedrooms if they must, but otherwise, let’s keep the holidays phone-free.”
I was thrilled by the suggestion — as was his wife, Meredith — and we shared the word, and everyone embraced it.
Jeremy and Meredith
That holiday turned out to be the best we ever experienced — the teens played peek-a-boo with the little ones and feigned sleep on the couch while giggling toddlers attempted to wake them. The adults delved into discussions about answers to the New York Times crossword puzzle while unavoidably, an uncle drifted off in an armchair.
Since then, all our family gatherings have been phone-free in shared areas — summer get-togethers, weekend visits, Thanksgiving, you name it — and it’s made a significant difference. If you’re willing, perhaps give it a shot. It’s so pleasant to be fully present and just relax in a room filled with family, especially if the last time you did that was as a child.
Have you done something similar? What additional holiday customs do you cherish?
P.S. Tips on hosting a holiday cookie swap along with a fun one-rule game for the festive season.
Title: How My Cousin’s Idea Revamped Our Holiday Traditions
The festive season has always been synonymous with family, joy, and tradition. However, like many households, ours had slipped into a comforting routine that was missing the thrill of novelty and excitement. Everything shifted when my cousin, Sarah, shared an idea that metamorphosed our holiday celebrations into something genuinely magical and unforgettable.
**The Emergence of a New Tradition**
The inspiration struck during a summer family gathering when Sarah, renowned for her creativity and enthusiasm, proposed we introduce a theme for the upcoming holiday. Her concept was straightforward yet groundbreaking: rather than adhering to our traditional Christmas Eve dinner and gift exchange, we would adopt a theme each year to guide our festivities. This theme would shape everything from decorations to activities, and even the menu.
**The Inaugural Themed Holiday: A Roaring 1920s Christmas**
For our inaugural themed occasion, Sarah suggested a “Roaring 1920s” Christmas. The proposal was met with enthusiasm and a hint of skepticism, but we all agreed to give it a shot. As the holiday season drew near, the entire family engaged in the preparations. We turned our home into a speakeasy, complete with jazz tunes, flapper outfits, and vintage decor. The menu showcased classic 1920s cuisine, and we even held a Charleston dance-off.
The outcome was nothing short of extraordinary. The theme instilled a new level of engagement and excitement into our festivities. Everyone, from the youngest cousins to the oldest relatives, participated with energy. The themed holiday not only forged lasting memories but also strengthened our family ties as we collaborated to make the idea a reality.
**Growing the Tradition**
Buoyed by the triumph of our first themed holiday, we committed to making it an annual event. Each year, a different family member chooses the theme, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to share their unique ideas. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed a “Victorian Christmas,” featuring carolers and horse-drawn carriage rides, and a “Tropical Holiday,” where we swapped snow for sand and celebrated a beach-themed Christmas.
**The Effect on Our Family**
Sarah’s suggestion has profoundly influenced our family. It has transformed our holiday celebrations into a season of creativity and teamwork, where everyone eagerly anticipates contributing to the theme. The excitement of unveiling the next year’s theme creates an element of surprise and joy that was previously lacking.
Moreover, the themed celebrations have allowed us to explore and appreciate different cultures and historical eras, enriching our understanding and broadening our viewpoints. It has also encouraged inclusivity, as we often weave in elements from various traditions worldwide.
**In Closing**
What began as a simple proposal from my cousin has evolved into a treasured family custom that has revolutionized our holiday celebrations. The themed occasions have united us, forged unforgettable memories, and infused our gatherings with a sense of adventure and exploration. As we await each new holiday season, we are reminded of the power of creativity and the joy of embracing change, all thanks to Sarah’s brilliant idea.
