September 9, 2025
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10 Family Holiday Traditions in the US

Discover 10 popular family holiday traditions in the US

The United States is a melting pot of cultures, and that diversity shines through in its family holiday traditions. From coast to coast, families celebrate in ways that blend history, culture, and creativity. Here are ten of the most popular and meaningful family holiday traditions in the US.

1. Thanksgiving Dinner

Every November, families gather around the table for a feast of turkey, stuffing, and pie — and to share what they’re grateful for.

2. Christmas Tree Decorating

Families choose and decorate a tree together, often passing down ornaments from generation to generation.

3. Fourth of July Barbecues

Families and friends celebrate Independence Day with cookouts, fireworks, and community parades.

4. Hanukkah Candle Lighting

Jewish families light the menorah for eight nights, often paired with games of dreidel and delicious latkes.

5. Easter Egg Hunts

On Easter Sunday, kids search for eggs filled with candy or small prizes, often hidden by parents or grandparents.

6. Halloween Trick-or-Treating

Families dress up in costumes, decorate their homes, and enjoy trick-or-treating in neighborhoods across the country.

7. New Year’s Eve Countdown

Families celebrate with parties, sparkling cider, and watching the ball drop in Times Square (either in person or on TV).

8. Memorial Day & Labor Day Cookouts

Marking the start and end of summer, families gather outdoors for barbecues and time together.

9. Valentine’s Day Family Traditions

Many families exchange cards, bake treats, or enjoy special dinners to celebrate love and togetherness.

10. Family Reunions

Held throughout the year, reunions bring extended families together — often with games, storytelling, and photo-sharing.

How to Preserve Your Family Traditions

Traditions create belonging and connection, but they can fade if they’re not passed down. Recording them keeps your family history alive.

💡 With Biograf, you can:

  • Record grandparents sharing stories of past holiday traditions.
  • Capture family celebrations on video and keep them private.
  • Translate stories across languages for multicultural families.
  • Create keepsakes like holiday memory books or legacy videos.

Final Thoughts

From Thanksgiving tables to New Year’s countdowns, US family traditions reflect joy, togetherness, and heritage. Recording them ensures these memories aren’t just celebrated once a year but cherished for generations.

👉 Start preserving your family’s holiday traditions today with Biograf, the storytelling app designed for families.

One tap away from smarter living download now!

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