Celebrating National Stepfamily Day

Did You Know Stepfamilies Have Their Own Holiday?

I didn’t either—at least not until I met Christy Tusing Borgeld and learned about her incredible work on behalf of stepfamilies. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with and interviewing Christy over the years, and I want to share why National Stepfamily Day is something worth celebrating.

If you’d rather listen to this post, click below.

Stepfamilies Have Come a Long Way

When my husband and I merged our families in 1990, there was very little guidance available. No online communities. Few books. Practically no professionals who specialized in stepfamily dynamics. We were mostly left to figure things out through trial and error.

Today, things are different. Thanks to the internet and social media, millions of stepmoms and stepdads can connect, share advice, and find community. One standout resource is StepMom Magazine, featuring expert insights (including some of my own articles) on topics such as:

• Defining your role as a stepmom
• Navigating conflict
• Overcoming the outsider syndrome
• Getting your partner’s support
• Connecting with stepkids

If you’re not already a subscriber, I highly recommend checking it out: www.stepmommagazine.com

A Vision That Sparked a Movement

When Christy Tusing Borgeld founded National Stepfamily Day in 1997, she couldn’t have predicted just how impactful her vision would become. Her goal was simple yet powerful: bring stepfamilies out of the shadows and into the light.

Her work has inspired people across the country (myself included) to advocate for and celebrate stepfamilies—to highlight the love, resilience, and dedication that stepparents pour into their families every day.

Stepfamilies Are Like Gardens

A thriving stepfamily needs care, attention, and nurturing—just like a garden. If you neglect it, weeds (resentments, misunderstandings, unmet expectations) take over. Forget to water it, and the connection wilts.

Stephen Covey once said, “Make daily or weekly deposits into your emotional bank account.” That’s a perfect metaphor. Do something each day—big or small—that adds joy, love, or laughter into your stepfamily’s “Happy Account.” When the inevitable storms roll in (and they will), you’ll have something to hold onto.

It Can’t Always Be About Fixing Problems

Stepfamily life often feels like we’re constantly putting out fires. But if all your energy is spent solving problems, you risk forgetting to make memories, have fun, and simply be present.

Celebrating National Stepfamily Day is one way to shift that focus—from managing stress to creating connection.

Creative Ways to Celebrate National Stepfamily Day

Here are a few of my favorite suggestions, including some from Christy Tusing Borgeld’s original list:

Build Connection Through Creativity

• Make a Family Vision Board
  Every holiday season, my husband and I sit down and map out our dreams for the coming year. It brings joy and direction to our relationship. I also create a personal vision board for my own growth and goals.

• Create a Family Storybook
  Write a short story together. Add drawings. Have each family member contribute something. Then sign it like an author team.

• Make a Scrapbook
  I created scrapbooks for each of my stepkids when they turned 18. It was a healing experience and a chance to reflect on the memories we shared.

• Film a Compliment Reel
  Record each family member saying something positive about everyone else. Rewatching it is a powerful reminder of how much you care.

Get Playful (Yes, Even With Teenagers)

• Hang Stockings or Make Handmade Cards
  Share small anonymous notes of encouragement or handmade tokens.

• Design a Family T-Shirt or Puzzle
  Use photos or hand-painted designs and turn it into a keepsake—or a fun tradition.

• Cook a Weird Meal Together
  Let each person pick one item for dinner. Even if it’s Coco Puffs with steak, it’ll be a meal you talk about for years.

• Host a Tasting Contest
  Try new recipes and vote on your favorites.

• Make a Family Recipe Book
  Add to it each year. Your stepkids will thank you when they’re older.

Go Outside and Play

• Picnic, Potluck, or Block Party
  Invite other stepfamilies if you can. Share stories and food.

• Take a Road Trip or Visit a Zoo
  Time away from home can spark conversations you wouldn’t have had otherwise.

• Go Camping
  Nature is the ultimate relationship reset button. One stepmom I worked with dreaded camping with her disengaged teens. But after some planning and patience, they bonded over shared outdoor challenges. That trip marked a turning point for their relationship.

• Play Games, Blow Bubbles, Dance It Out
  Charades. Cookie decorating. Music marathons. Fly a kite. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.

My Favorite? Table Topics.

Table Topics is a card deck of conversation starters. They now have family-specific editions that are perfect for dinner or car rides. It’s one of the easiest ways to connect across generations, personalities, and comfort zones.

In the End, It’s About the Memories

When we look back years from now, what we’ll remember most are not the fancy meals or perfect holidays—but the simple, heartfelt moments of connection.

The time you danced together in the living room.

The joke that made everyone laugh till they cried.

The quiet moment you spent stargazing or building sandcastles.

This is what National Stepfamily Day is about: honoring the love you build each day, even when the odds feel stacked against you.

What About You?

I’d love to hear how you’ve celebrated National Stepfamily Day—or how you plan to. Share your stories on my Facebook Page, tag me using #TheStepmomCoach, or send an email to Claudette@stepmomcoach.com.

If you haven’t yet, visit www.stepmomcoach.com for support, ideas, and community.

Let’s celebrate this messy, beautiful, blended life—together.