Posted on Nov 27, 2017
Family Friendly Holiday Tattoos
As the holidays approach, you’ll soon be gathering with family to celebrate the season. Family gatherings can be wonderful—or confrontational. If your Hanukah or Christmas parties typically involve a family member who disapproves of your ink, we’re here to help.
As the holidays approach, you’ll soon be gathering with family to celebrate the season. Family gatherings can be wonderful—or confrontational. Inevitably, not everyone in a family has the same ideas about politics, religion, and body art.
While a 2008 Pew Research study found that 36% of Americans ages 18 to 25 had at least one tattoo, older generations do not have the same affinity for body art, likely still associating them with “seedy” communities that embraced tattoos in their heyday. A Fox News poll based on interviews with 1,002 random registered voters nationwide found that people under 45 were twice as likely as those 45 and older to have a tattoo, exemplifying a generational divide that may make a holiday gathering contentious if you show up rocking two full sleeves. The poll also found that liberals were more likely to have tattoos than conservatives by a comparison of 26% to 18%, potentially sparking one of the dreaded political disagreements that often ruin holiday soirees. If your Hanukah or Christmas parties typically involve a family member who disapproves of your ink, we’re here to help. Temporary ink is likely to go over with a disapproving relative better than permanent ink, so you’re already off to a good start with our tattoos. And with the following family-friendly designs, you’re sure to delight family members rather than ruffle their feathers.
1) Galton
No matter who you and your family members pray to, this tattoo will win over grandparents and great aunts alike. Artistically and geometrically lettered, this “PRAY” tattoo is an on-theme, family-friendly way to express your sentiments this holiday season.
Galton, 2.8 x 0.8 inches, $21
2) Arraijan
Honor your mom this year with our Sailor Jerry-inspired “Mom” tattoo. For a fun surprise, scoop up these tattoos for your mother and grandmother, too, so that every generation of amazing mothers can honor the women who came before them.
Arraijan, 2.6 x 2.25 inches, $21
3) Kove
Peace is always on-trend, no matter the generational divide. And since this tattoo is minimal in size and stature, it’s even more family-friendly. Place this tattoo on a wrist, ankle, or behind the ear for a sweet accent to your holiday attire.
Kove, 1.3 inches, $19
And if you’re eager to show off your own artistic skills at this year’s holiday shindig, grab our freehand ink and try imitating one of these ideas:
Family is forever. Communicate that with this creative tattoo, combining the sign for infinity, the word family, and a heart shape.
Use your forearm to illustrate your family like this, inking one elephant per member of your tribe. From trunk to tail, these elephants are connected the same way that you and your loved ones are, heart to heart and generation to generation.
Keep it small and simple with a family finger tattoo like this one. If you’re thinking about inking up permanently, a finger tattoo is a great choice to test the waters with your family. Small and sentimental, it’s subtly sweet in all the right ways.
Honor the loved ones no longer with your family this holiday by echoing this family tree. Ink each branch with the date a loved one passed, or the names of your family members living and deceased.
Is there a classic family photo beloved by all your family members? Whether it’s a photo taken on a special occasion, or a funny photo capturing that time everybody got seasick, pay homage to your family’s history by replicating the photo on your skin like this. Bring your ink along to the party in case any family members want to get in on the photographic fun.
Team up with your brother or sister and ink yourselves with a two-part tattoo like this. Your parents and grandparents will love seeing that you not only get along, but are literally joined at the hip.
