Are you as excited as I am to have your college kids home for the holidays? I am already jumping for joy at the thought and it’s not even Christmas yet!
Even though I will only have one of my two home this year- my daughter is living her best life studying abroad – I am determined to continue to be creative and create memories this year. My son has been away at school in another state, and I know he will be biting at the bit to see his hometown friends, so I am hoping to lure him with family time he will be happy to say yes to! I detailed some of my ideas below, but please feel free to add some of your own in the comments. The more ideas the better!
Book or Product Exchange
For me it would be a favorite book, but for the non-readers in the family a product exchange may work as well. Let me explain- each family member brings a favorite book or product they discovered the year before to exchange with another member of the family. I would bring my favorite book, but my son may want to bring a new favorite phone charger or video game. Choose gifts, allow steals, tweak the rules however you want! This is a fantastic way to learn about a delightful read, game or product that stood out to your family members the year before as well as an opportunity to bond without them even knowing it! (wink, wink)
Holiday Volunteering as a Family
The holidays are a perfect time to give back, and college-age kids are often eager to make a difference. Find a volunteer opportunity you can take part in together, like serving at a food bank or gathering donations for a cause everyone supports. This can add a meaningful element to holiday time together, helping the family reconnect over shared values.
Holiday Movie and Take-Out Marathon
The important thing here is anything goes! Let each person order their favorite take-out or coordinate and order together. Think Gilmore Girls movie nights- Chinese, pizza, Italian, ice cream, candy and more. Whatever floats your family boat- a junk food fest or a more thoughtful healthy affair- make it happen and allow each family member the freedom to contribute what they would like to the night. Same thing with the movie selection- it does not have to include holiday classics if those make your kids groan. Perhaps allow each person to share their favorite flick from the past year. Yet another way to learn and relate to what your college age kids are interested in these days.
Nighttime Holiday Light Tour
No matter how old my kids get, they always look forward to the night when we grab hot cocoa and walk around looking at holiday lights. It’s a tradition for the ages in my family. If you want to add a twist you could have a vote on the best decorated house, or devise categories such as best Santa display, best cartoon-themed, or best music with lights display. The possibilities are endless.
Recreate a College Tradition at Home
Let each college-age family member share one of their campus traditions with the family. It could be a favorite game, a snack they like to make, or even a holiday song they enjoy. This can be a fun way to learn about their college lives and build a unique tradition together at home.
Family Game Tournament
Plan an annual family game tournament that everyone can look forward to each year. Try a mix of board games, card games, or even video games, and add a prize for the winner. This can become a fun way for family members of all ages to bond, laugh, and compete.
New Year’s Day Goal-Setting Brunch
I love this idea, and it will be a new family tradition this year if I can convince my family to join in the fun. This involves setting goals together as a family for the upcoming year, or it can be sharing personal goals for yourself. The hope would be that family members support you in these efforts in the coming year and check in on your progress. This can be as lighthearted or serious as you’d like—whether it’s planning family trips, fitness goals, or setting up a monthly call schedule with college kids who are far from home. Enjoying brunch while talking about goals adds a festive touch.
Annual Family Photo Yearbook or Video Collage
Create a yearbook or video slideshow with favorite family photos from the past year, including any campus life moments or travel photos your kids want to share. Look through the memories together, celebrating the year’s highs and laughing over shared moments.
Making the Holidays Meaningful Together
Whatever you decide to do with your college kids this holiday season, cherish every moment. Creating new traditions can make family gatherings fresh, fun, and memorable. Embrace the changes that come with new phases of life, and let these new traditions evolve over time. By finding unique ways to connect and celebrate, your family can make the holidays meaningful, no matter where life takes each of you.
