Christmas traditions are sometimes forgotten as a family grows larger or becomes smaller, but it’s what keeps them going that’s special.

According to SheBudgets, multi-generational family gatherings are slowly disappearing in America.

For some families, like the Owens family, as they grew larger, and in-laws became involved, more family members had to prioritize other family gatherings more than the Owens’.

There are many other traditions that people skip out on, including handwritten letters, caroling, and driving through neighborhoods to see all the lights.

The table below, from the Pew Research Center, shows the shift in many other traditions from over a decade ago.

Mental health may also play a role in deciding whether to participate or not.

According to a LifeStance Health survey, 64% of respondents would prefer to skip at least a few of their holiday gatherings. In comparison, 28% would like to attend all of them, and 75% of respondents said at least a few of their planned holiday gatherings feel more like an obligation than something they truly want to attend.

Some gatherings may not outweigh the desire to relax during a school or work vacation, making it more tempting to skip out on the celebration.

Others may feel pressure to face conflict within their families during holiday gatherings, leading them to forgo the trip and spend it with their spouse, friends, or alone.

While the Owens family’s Christmas found its resurgence, not all do, leaving some without a gathering to go to or fewer gatherings to go to.

Whether you are starting your own tradition with your family or continuing one that has been passed on for generations, the holiday season is about joy, and everyone should experience some of it this season.

As family traditions continue to change nationwide, many Americans are reassessing how they spend the holidays. For some, that means renewing old gatherings, while others choose to step away, reflecting wider changes in how families connect during the season.