Kori Barnes 
Is anyone continuing traditional holiday practices any more?
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As the trees light with Christmas decorations, the snow is sticking, old holiday movies are playing, and kids are screaming with glee, everyone is in the spirit of celebrating this special holiday season. Although older traditions may continue with previous generations, Gen Z has decided to still bask in the spirit of the holiday; but they have a twist on their plans in their own special way. After speaking with a few Gen Z members, they are more than excited to celebrate their “own” holiday traditions.
Elizabeth Bask, 19, expressed her excitement with bringing in Christmas with her boyfriend and spending time with their dogs together. “Usually I do travel back home to spend the holidays with my family, but this year I wanted my own space with my boyfriend and creating our own traditions,” she said. “This is the first year we’ve gotten our dog together and having more firsts. I thought it would be cool to spend it together and of course contact our families to wish them a happy holiday, but I’m excited for our future.”
As someone who knows what it’s like to want to have your own space with your partner, it’s no surprise that Gen Z members have expressed their own stance on breaking “traditional” values on social media or challenging the status quo of what’s expected. Jonathan Braxton, 22, plans on spending his holiday on an online gaming tournament.
“I don’t care if anyone thinks it’s weird, but I’ll be in my room playing my video games all day. I’m really good at e-sports and winning tournaments with my team and we’ve all decided on continuing even on Christmas,” he said. “My gaming team is my family and in a way we’re creating our own traditions playing and doing what we love with each other. It’s not expected, but I don’t care about anyone else’s opinions.”
We’re all familiar with holiday events such as “friendsgiving” that can take place in the form of Thanksgiving, and TikTok has given creators more ideas of how to put their special twist on holiday celebrations. Shannon Wright, 21, plans on having a “pinkmas” with her friends at her home for the holiday.
“I’m so excited to spend the holidays with my girls! TikTok has given me some of the cutest ideas for the holidays and I really want to take my content creation seriously before entering the New Year, ” she said. “For all my friends that may not be as close with their family right now for whatever reasons, we all have a safe space at my home and can enjoy everything pink about Christmas. My tree is already pink but we’re going to be in pink pj’s, eat pink cookies, exchange pink wrapped gifts, and a lot more.”
Although there’s nothing wrong with traditional holiday practices, it’s perfectly fine to incorporate or begin your own with loved ones. Gen Z is becoming more creative or free spirited with their traditions and I think it’s extremely refreshing to be a part of.
By Kori Barnes, University of Southern California
Instagram: @korixnicole
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