10 Things Your Teen REALLY Wants this Christmas (That Don’t Involve Presents Under the Tree)

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This Post: 10 Things Your Teen REALLY Wants this Christmas (That Don’t Involve Presents Under the Tree)

Co-written By: Marybeth Bock & Nancy Reynolds

Your teen might be asking for a new phone, an expensive pair of athletic shoes, or a new gaming system this Christmas. Or, maybe they have their eye on a pricey pair of leggings or a name-brand hoodie. 

But… guess what?

Aside from all the costly gifts they’ve carefully added to their Christmas wish list, they might want something else just as much (perhaps even more) than those presents under the tree… something that can’t be wrapped in a pretty bow.

So, before you drop big bucks on expensive gifts, consider these things your teen really wants for Christmas that don’t involve presents under the tree. 

Here are ten things your teen really wants this Christmas – and there’s no need for wrapping!

1. To Revisit All Their Favorite Family Traditions (Even the Hokey Ones)

Yep… there’s a good chance your teen will roll their eyes at those family traditions (especially the silly or hokey ones), but the truth is, they secretly love them.

They’ll act like dragging out the decorations is a chore, but then you’ll catch them reminiscing about an ornament they’ve hung on the tree since they were little. They’ll groan about the family photo in matching pajamas, yet post it to their stories with a witty caption. And you know they’ll show up for ANY tradition that involves cookies, hot cocoa, or opening “just one gift” on Christmas Eve. 

2. Time to Chill the Heck Out (And, Catch Up On Their Sleep)

They’re coming off a long, demanding semester filled with homework, exams, deadlines, clubs, games, and tournaments. Bottom line… they’re exhausted. They want to SLEEP. They want to hang out in their room listening to music, gaming, or FaceTiming friends. They just want freedom to “be.” 

Give your teen as much downtime as they need to rest and regroup before life kicks into high gear again. Sure, they’ll still have chores, but try to dial your expectations down just a notch. Also, hold off on any stressful, heavy conversations about grades or college. Your teen needs a break from all that, too. 

3. More Control Over Holiday Plans

As tempting as it might be to force your teen to take part in every family dinner, outing, and activity, let them off the hook, at times. If there’s a special family gathering you don’t want them to miss, give them plenty of advanced warning. Compromise a bit (if you can) and give them permission to skip one awkward or boring family gathering. (They’ll thank you!)

4. To Feel Close as a Family

They’ll never outwardly admit it, but make no mistake, your teen craves that feeling of closeness as a family!

Visit a holiday tree-lighting ceremony, cut down a tree together and decorate it as a family, venture out for the best hot cocoa near you, or hop in the car and check out all the lights in the most holiday-decked-out neighborhoods.

It doesn’t matter what you do, just block out time during this busy holiday season to spend with your teen laughing, bonding, and just hanging out – they’ll remember it always. 

5. Home Cooking & Baking

There’s nothing like the holidays to break out all the favorite family recipes. You know Dad’s famous ribs with his special seasonings? You know your famous Christmas breakfast casserole that you’ve made every Christmas morning from as far back as your kids can remember? And, you know the heavenly smell of Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip cookies baking in the oven? Your teen loves them… all of them. 

Make it even more special by getting your teen in on the cooking and baking! Let your teen pick a few recipes they want to try this year! Check out these holiday cookie recipes for inspiration! 

6. Nostalgic Family Movie Night

Maybe it’s The Polar Express, Elf,  National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, or How the Grinch Stole Christmas – your teen has holiday favorites that take them back to when they were young.

Round up all their favorites and settle in for a cozy nostalgic family movie night complete with lots of cozy blankets, popcorn, hot cocoa, and holiday sweet nibbles like candy canes, hot-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies, or chocolate peppermint bark. Nothing brings us closer to our kids than cuddling up and revisiting magical holiday memories. 

7. Permission to Host a Chill Night with Friends

The life of a teenager can get busy which means finding time to hang out with friends during the school year isn’t always easy. And, those kids who ventured off to college this year may not have seen their hometown friends since last August. 

That’s why winter break is a great time to let your teen have their friends over for a chill night complete with music, movies, gaming (or anything else they love), and lots of snacks and drinks. It doesn’t have to be expensive – a trip to Costco is easy enough to round up everything they need. (Or, you can spring for a few pizzas.) Savor the sound of them laughing and joking with their friends, because before you know it, you’ll miss those sounds a whole lot!

8. A Festive Day (Or Night) Out

The options here are endless! Be sure to get your teen’s input (OR you can surprise them)! If you live where it snows, consider sledding, snowboarding, cross-country, or downhill skiing. Even just having a family snowman-making contest can be a ton of fun for teenagers.

And don’t worry if there’s no snow where you are – look for activities like an ice-skating rink, a drive-through holiday light event, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a long and picturesque hike, or anything else you know will get your teen engaged with the fam AND in the holiday spirit!

9. A Day to Do NOTHING

I mean nothing. No plans, no expectations, no chores, no commitments with family or friends.

No “Hey, can you take out the trash for me?” or “I need you to clean your room today.” or “Can you help me do something?” Give them just ONE day filled with blissful nothingness.

10. A Family Holiday Getaway

If the budget allows, a holiday weekend getaway is the perfect way to spend quality time together as a family.

Make it a surprise trip for your teenager, or let them choose where they’d like to go. Whether it’s a quick escape to the beach or mountains or a road trip to a National Park, your teen won’t forget it!

Of course, presents under the tree at Christmas are wonderful, but genuine and lasting holiday memories come from experiences and from being present with your kids. Give them something they’ll always remember, parents… the gift of your time.

About Marybeth Bock

Marybeth Bock, MPH, is a Mom to two young adults and one delightful hound dog. She has logged time as a military spouse, childbirth educator, college instructor, and freelance writer. She lives in Arizona and thoroughly enjoys research and writing – as long as iced coffee is involved. Her work can be found on numerous websites and in two books. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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