Christmas with an only child teen, how to keep it festive?

[Anonymous]

I have a 16 yo only child. We've always just made Christmas Day the big to-do (we stay at home in pajamas all day and graze on sweets and appetizers). I've never made a big fuss about the holiday season. I decorate the house and bake cookies and she helps if she feels like it. She is busy enough with school and her winter sport.

She gets indignant if I suggest doing anything different Christmas Day, so she must enjoy this tradition.

[Anonymous]

We used to host larger gatherings but we moved so it is harder to get together with extended family. My kid loves just vegging out all.day doing whatever he wants and not having to deal with the holiday chaos. We love it too! He will meet up.with friends during break and he enjoys the balance.

[Anonymous]

We just plan a lot of stuff with friends (hockey games, sleepovers, xmas brunch at the neighbors). He doesn't want to do much alone with us, and I don't find it fun or festive to force him to. And everyone else with teens seems to be in the same boat (regardless of whether they have an only child or not).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We incorporate their friends.

Have a few guys over for movies, video games, and pizza. Tell them you are making cookies and they can eat them if they help decorate. They will jump right in. Then put on Elf and make hot chocolate while they decorate.

Start doing take-out grub and movies like Die Hard instead of Rudolph.

Or do the corny Hallmark movies and make a non drinking game out of it. My teens love that. We laugh all night.

We also rented a limo one time and brought a bunch of kids thru the drive thru lights. Then back for movies and cookies.

Girls did a dress up dinner and ate at Tower Oaks lodge. Lots of pics. But then I give them Christmas questions they have to ask during dinner and it’s really cute.

Teens realize the joy when their other friends are in on it too. By 16/17 they start to miss the old childhood stuff and come back. 13-15 was the worst.

Why is 13-15 the worst? They're still kids, but even if they or you think they aren't, they still very close to it. I'd think it be bad at 15 or 16+

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all these great ideas. I was feeling sad about the cookies since DD had always been so excited to do things with me and loves Christmas. It was shocking to have to practically beg her to participate.
I'll work on hiding my dread at her turning 13 and practice going along with mood swings.

I like the idea of considering inviting a friend along for the decorating and a lot of the other suggestions are very helpful. I'm glad I asked.

-OP