Americans are changing holiday customs to put acceptance, self-improvement, and wellbeing first, whether it’s by spending time with selected relatives or traveling alone.
Learn how tourists are celebrating life outside of the norm and embracing change.
Cassandra Sheridan was in the warm embrace of her newly chosen family during a
Thanksgiving dinner that was unlike any she had ever attended, surrounded by individuals she had only met online. After a divorce and coming out as gay, Sheridan, a recent expatriate to Florida, turned to Stand in Pride, a group that pairs LGBTQ+ people with friends who support them.
“Being welcomed by a community that truly cares has made all the difference for someone without family nearby,” she said.
Sheridan’s experience exemplifies a larger trend: more Americans are opting out of customary Christmas family get-togethers.
According to a 2024 survey, 85% of participants said they would rather go alone or seek acceptance in chosen families than return home.
For LGBTQ+ people who are separated from their family, groups like Stand in Pride provide a lifeline.
Daniel Blevins, the originator, emphasized the emotional cost of rejection and the significant influence of connection when he remarked, “It’s about creating new traditions and a sense of belonging.”
Traveling alone is also becoming more popular. Mikala Whitaker hiked Mount Kilimanjaro last year, trading in the stress of the holidays for self-discovery.
She recalled peaceful times by a hotel pool on Christmas Eve and a stunning New Year’s Eve, saying, “It was healing and transformative.”
These tourists are demonstrating that there is no one right way to celebrate, whether it be in a group setting or alone. Many have found happiness and pleasure in defying tradition.
