As great as the holidays might be, not all traditions that we celebrate are so wonderful. In fact some of them are downright offensive & here are fifteen holiday traditions that need updating. Just remember that we’re not trying to spoil the fun. Instead, take this as a reminder that what used to fly back in the day doesn’t necessarily work anymore.
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Mistletoe Kisses
In theory, mistletoe hanging in the doorway is pretty but when you think about it, it’s anything but. Essentially, you’re telling two people to kiss right now because a plant says so! Not everyone’s on board with public displays of affection, especially when it feels forced—so maybe we should rethink this.
Black Peter
In parts of Europe, they have a character called Black Peter who hangs out with Saint Nicholas. The issue is that people often use blackface to portray him—and that’s a big mistake. Critics argue that Black Peter perpetuates racial stereotypes and they claim we should be more inclusive & respectful of racial history.
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Excessive Gift Giving
We all know the drill—December rolls around and suddenly we’re spending like there’s no tomorrow. But this massive gift-giving frenzy can make the holidays feel more like a shopping marathon instead of a time of joy & togetherness. And not to mention—it’s hard on the wallet and the planet because that extra stuff often ends up unused or forgotten.
Elf on the Shelf
That little elf who supposedly watches kids to report back to Santa is kinda creepy. After all, the idea of being under constant surveillance isn’t exactly a jolly holiday message! It could actually send the wrong message to kids that it’s okay to be watched all the time. And when you think about it, that’s not right.
Overemphasis on Santa Claus
Of course, Santa’s great & all but when he becomes the be-all and end-all of Christmas, things get a bit skewed. It creates unrealistic expectations for kids and stresses out parents. They have to make those dreams come true! Worst of all, it overshadows the many other meaningful aspects of the holidays, whether they’re religious or cultural.
Gendered Toys as Gifts
The old “trucks for boys, dolls for girls” mantra is outdated because it boxes kids into specific roles before they even know what they want. When you encourage interests based on gender, it limits kids’ exploration of their talents & passions. As such, it’s high time we let toys be toys. Kids can decide what they like!
New Year’s Resolutions
We all love a fresh start yet there’s too much pressure to overhaul our lives as soon as January hits. These resolutions often end up making us feel worse when we inevitably slip up. Maybe it’s better to focus on smaller & more manageable changes. At least this way we won’t be set up for disappointment.
Thanksgiving Mythology
The storybook version of Pilgrims and Native Americans sitting down for a friendly feast is just that—a story. It ignores a lot of harsh history, including the real struggles & injustices that Indigenous peoples had to (and still do) face. As such, it’s become a tradition that’s ripe for a more truthful retelling.
Columbus Day Celebrations
Similarly, celebrating Columbus Day is a sensitive subject, considering Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, which began centuries of difficulties for Indigenous people. More people are now choosing to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead. They argue it’s a step in the right direction toward honoring the true history of the land.
Valentine’s Day Expectations
Sure, Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about love. Unfortunately, all the commercial hype around buying the perfect gift or having the most romantic day ever can leave people feeling left out—or not good enough. It might be high time to dial it back. Perhaps we could focus on the simple ways to show love.
Drinking to Excess on St. Patrick’s Day
St. Paddy’s Day often comes with the expectation of drinking a lot and you don’t need us to tell you why that’s so bad. On top of that, the day reinforces stereotypes about Irish culture. It’d probably be better for people to find ways to celebrate Irish heritage that don’t center around booze.
Offensive & Sexist Halloween Costumes
For most people, Halloween is a time for fun & creativity. However, according to some critics, certain costumes cross the line into cultural appropriation or insensitivity. If you’re a woman, good luck finding a costume that isn’t ‘sexy’. They argue we should think twice before choosing a costume that might be offensive. After all, there are plenty of ways to be spooky & respectful at the same time.
Fireworks on Independence Day
Fireworks are a Fourth of July staple, although they’re not so fun for everyone. In fact, they cause problems for many veterans & animals —and they’re also a fire hazard. And once you factor in the pollution issues, it could be time to find other ways to celebrate that are a bit kinder to our ears & our planet.
Easter Egg Hunts
There’s no denying that Easter egg hunts are a blast for kids but they can be wasteful when they involve real eggs. Plus, the focus on candy & gifts can overshadow the holiday’s religious or family significance for some groups. Some people argue we should find a balance between fun and meaning instead.
Carol Singing Door to Door
Caroling is one of those traditions that sounds charming but doesn’t always hit the right note. After all, showing up unannounced on someone’s doorstep? That’s kinda intrusive. Also, not everyone celebrates the same holidays or enjoys being put on the spot to listen. We could have organized caroling events instead, where people opt-in to participate or listen.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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