Modeling Healthy Choices: How Parents Can Shape Safe, Joyful Holiday Celebrations
The holiday season is full of joy, connection, and community, and often, gatherings where adults enjoy celebratory drinks. How we model behaviors around alcohol matters, especially in front of young people who are watching and learning from us.
Research shows that teens’ perceptions of drinking are shaped by what they see at home, at parties, and even online. For example, when teens are exposed to alcohol-related posts from peers, they’re more likely to view drinking as normal and accepted. Positive, consistent parental modeling and open conversations at home are powerful tools for prevention.
Parental Modeling Matters
Kids learn by observing adults - especially their parents or caregivers. How you talk about and engage with alcohol influences the messages they internalize about drinking. Sharing honest facts about alcohol’s effects and making thoughtful choices in front of your children can shape healthier attitudes in them.
Talk early and openly. Let your kids know that adults don’t always have all the facts about alcohol. Sharing that only a minority of adults truly understand alcohol’s health risks can spark meaningful conversations.
Make intentional choices at gatherings, like rotating water with alcoholic drinks and narrating why you’re doing it. This normalizes moderation and hydration.
Celebrate without alcohol sometimes, offering fun, festive non-alcoholic options highlights that connection and joy don’t require drinking.
While modeling healthier choices, it’s also essential to plan for safety. In past years, we’ve shared practical tips to ensure celebrations end with everyone safe and sound. That includes:
Planning a safe way home before festivities begin. Designate a non-drinking driver or arrange rideshares in advance.
Providing festive non-alcoholic beverages and snacks at your gatherings so there are great alternatives for everyone.
Encouraging guests who plan to drink to spend the night, especially in colder weather or rural areas where travel can be risky.
These simple steps help reduce the risk of impaired driving, a leading cause of traffic fatalities during the holiday season, and help reinforce that safety and celebration go hand-in-hand.
Start the Conversation, and Keep It Going
The holidays are an opportunity to talk with your children about expectations and values around alcohol. Ask open-ended questions like:
“What do you notice about how alcohol shows up in media or at parties?”
“What are some fun things we can do at holiday events that don’t involve alcohol?”
“How can we make sure everyone gets home safely after a gathering?”
By inviting kids into the conversation, you create space for them to ask questions, express their thoughts, and feel supported in making good decisions.
Celebrate with Joy, Not Regret
Holiday celebrations are about belonging, warmth, and shared experiences. When parents model thoughtful choices - from how we drink (or don’t) to how we plan for safety - we give young people a powerful gift: the message that joy doesn’t have to come at the cost of health or safety.
Let’s make this holiday season one of joy, laughter, and connection!
For more safe celebration tips, check out these previous posts, Spread Joy, Celebrate Responsibly and The Dangers of Impaired Driving: Protecting Our Communities.
Additional resources
Holiday Drinking & Parental Modeling: What Kids Need to See Make Safety Part of Your Celebration: https://www.screenagersmovie.com/blog/holiday-drinking-parental-modeling