December is supposed to feel cozy, joyful, and magical. But for many families, the season also brings hidden risks for teens with more free time, holiday parties, older siblings and friends returning from college, and environments where alcohol is more accessible. None of this has to diminish the magic. There are also real reasons for optimism: most teens are not drinking, even during the holidays. With the right awareness and a few proactive steps, parents and caregivers can help teens stay safe, connected, and supported throughout the season.
Why the holidays can increase risk for teens
Even teens who make healthy choices year-round can face new pressures in December. A few seasonal risk factors to be aware of:
- More unstructured time. Winter break means later nights, looser routines, and less oversight.
- Social gatherings. Holiday parties, both family and peer-run, often include alcohol.
- Older peers returning home. College students may bring different norms and access to substances.
- Family modeling. Teens notice how adults handle alcohol, stress, and celebration.
- Stress and emotions. Academic pressure, family dynamics, loneliness, and seasonal mood dips can intensify in December.
Here’s what the research is saying:
- According to SAMHSA, teen drinking commonly increases during school breaks, when supervision drops and social time rises.
- The NIAAA reports that youth who drink during high-risk times are more likely to binge drink.
- But here’s an important truth (and one parents and even teens often underestimate): Most teens are not drinking. Monitoring the Future data consistently show that the percentage of students who reported never having consumed alcohol in their lifetime was over 70% for 8th and 10th graders, and over 50% for 12th graders, even when they have opportunities.
Sharing the fact with teens: that most teens are NOT drinking, positive norming, helps them feel stronger in their healthy choices.
Most teens do not drink, and teens need to know they’re not alone
Social pressure feels huge in adolescence, and many teens assume “everyone is doing it.” They’re not.
You can help shift that mindset by saying what’s real:
- “Most teens don’t drink, including during the holidays and weekends, and that’s something you can feel proud of.”
- “Lots of people your age care about their goals, activities, and well-being.”
- “It’s actually more common not to drink than to drink.”
SAMHSA research shows that when teens understand that healthy choices are the norm, they’re less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
How to support your teen emotionally during the holidays
Teens want independence, but they also want a safety net. Here’s what helps:
1. Connect before correcting
Ask about their plans, friends, stressors, and excitement for break. Even short conversations build trust.
2. Validate holiday emotions
Teens can feel overwhelmed, whether it’s school exams, family expectations, friendships, or loneliness. Saying “That makes sense,” goes a long way.
3. Talk openly about substance use
SAMHSA notes that parents are the #1 influence on teens’ decisions about alcohol, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.
Keep it simple, calm, and repeatable:
“Your safety matters to me. Alcohol is not safe for your developing brain, and I expect you not to drink.”
Power to the Parent has more conversation starters.
4. Role-play refusal skills
Teens often appreciate having a script:
- “I’m good. My parents are awake.”
- “I have practice tomorrow.”
- “Not my thing.”
5. Keep expectations clear and consistent
Curfews, check-ins, and communication plans reduce risks dramatically.
How to support yourself as a parent or caregiver
You deserve support, too. Parenting during the holidays can be joyful and exhausting.
1. Trust that your influence matters
Decades of research show that teens whose parents set clear, loving boundaries have lower substance-use rates.
2. Reach out to other parents
It’s okay to connect about party plans or transportation. Parents talking to parents is prevention.
3. Manage your own stress
Teens notice how caregivers cope. Being mindful about alcohol use around the holidays not only models healthy behavior, it also communicates that you take the topic seriously.
4. Build a safety plan for high-risk nights
New Year’s Eve, post-finals parties, and nights when older teens come home can be especially tempting. A safety plan might include:
- A check-in text at a specific time
- A no-questions-asked ride offer
- Agreed-upon guidelines for who your teen is with and when they’ll be home
5. Celebrate the good choices
Notice and affirm when your teen sticks to boundaries or communicates honestly. Reinforcement works.
The message teens need most this season
The stress, social swirl, and risks may increase in December, but so does the opportunity for connection. Teens genuinely want caring adults to show up with warmth, clarity, and support.
Here’s the message to repeat:
“I care about your safety. I believe in your judgment. And I’m here for you, always.”
That steady presence is one of the strongest protective factors a teen can have.