When families come together for Christmas, they bring their values and routines with them as well. Increasingly—perhaps even unconsciously—those are shaped by a relationship to technology. Everything from gift lists and free time to furniture arrangements and dinner conversation communicates something about our tech priorities.

These are topics explored at length in Andy Crouch’s book The Tech-Wise Family.Barna research conducted for the book shows that technology is the top reason parents today believe it’s never been harder to raise children. At Christmas, that might be even more true, as parents face a dilemma in buying the coolest new Apple product or video game for teenagers, or struggle to create meaningful moments when everybody from the grandparents to the grandchildren is on a smartphone.

Here are some key statistics and helpful tips to make yours a tech-wise home for the holidays. In addition, you can join us in the new year for The Tech-Wise Family Challenge starting January 7th, a 21-day journey to re-examine the place of technology in your home and routines, including a webinar with Andy Crouch and his daughter, Amy Crouch.

Sign up for The Tech-Wise Family Challenge: Starts January 7th!

Think twice about the deal on that device. Given the ubiquity of technology—for example, almost all teens (88%) and about half of preteens (48%) have phones—it might seem unpopular or impossible to say no to the video game, tablet or other new technology your kid has on their wish list. But consider how your gifts might influence your child’s ability to be present and creative, knowing that only 13 percent of parents say technology has added joy to their lives. Crouch advocates for a screen-free childhood until age 10, as well as filling a home with “things that reward skill and active engagement” (arts and crafts, books, instruments, etc.).