Empty nesters reveal how they convince their kids to come home for the holidays

**Empty Nesters Use Kids’ Favorite Holiday Meals to Draw Them Home, Survey Finds**

A recent survey reveals that empty nesters are leveraging their children’s favorite holiday meals to encourage them to come home for the holidays. The poll, conducted among 1,000 U.S. parents whose adult children have already moved out, found that over half (54%) plan on having their kids return home this holiday season. Remarkably, these children are traveling an average of 596 miles to reunite with their families.

Many empty nesters admit to struggling with the quietness of an empty home (36%) and often find themselves nostalgic for when their children were younger (35%). Despite these feelings, the study, commissioned by The Honey Baked Ham Company and carried out by Talker Research, shows that 69% of parents say it’s “easy” to convince their kids to come home for the holidays. The key? Their kids’ favorite comfort foods.

### Holiday Food Favorites and Special Requests

According to the survey, 28% of empty nesters have received special homecoming requests from their children. These include:

– Preparing their favorite meals (72%)
– Having their preferred snacks or drinks ready (46%)
– Visiting familiar local spots and hangouts (18%)

In response, 87% of empty nesters are eager to oblige, planning to prepare their children’s favorite dishes during the holiday visit.

While 26% of parents motivate their children to visit by reminding them how pleasant it is to be home, 19% use the promise of favorite foods, and 16% even offer to send extras home with them. Two-thirds of parents begin shopping weeks in advance to stock up on these favorite foods. Additionally, 42% anticipate needing to buy different foods depending on who their kids bring along.

### Making Everyone Feel Welcome

“Making the home really feel like home means making sure there’s something for everybody,” said Jim Dinkins, CEO of HoneyBaked Ham Company. “Around the holidays, people want to feel welcomed. There is nothing quite as welcoming as making sure their favorite foods are ready for them.”

Beyond their children, empty nesters are also preparing to host other loved ones: 53% plan to welcome their grandkids, 42% their kid’s significant other, 40% extended family members, and 36% their own significant other.

A significant majority—four in five empty nesters—believe it’s important that everyone attending the holiday gathering has something delicious to eat, regardless of their preferences.

### Holiday Meal Preparations and Challenges

On average, empty nesters plan to have three different main dishes prepared, with turkey (66%) and ham (52%) being the most popular choices. However, busy holiday schedules mean many anticipate needing to make last-minute store runs. Over half (56%) expect to make at least one quick shopping trip for forgotten items, while one in four believe they’ll make two or more last-minute grocery runs.

“Food is such an important part of the holidays it’s exactly what empty nesters and their kids can gather around to make coming home for the holidays feel special,” continued Dinkins. “But empty nesters don’t want to spend all their time in the kitchen, away from the family members they only see once or twice a year. They deserve to have recipes and meal options that are effortless yet delicious, letting them put more focus on spending time with family.”

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**Survey Methodology:**
Talker Research surveyed 1,000 American parents with adult children who no longer live at home. The survey was commissioned by HoneyBaked and administered online between October 8 and October 15, 2025.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/11/lifestyle/heres-how-empty-nesters-get-their-kids-home-for-the-holidays-survey/

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