The Magic Kids Remember at Christmas ✨
At the beginning of the week, I felt like I was being pulled in a hundred different directions. Between work, the house, kids’ activities, birthdays, and Christmas, my to-do list felt endless. I kept checking boxes like it was my full-time job, convinced that I was being super efficient.
My priority, of course, was making sure my kids had everything they needed and that their Christmas felt special.
Then came Wednesday morning.
My girls were supposed to be getting ready for school, but it was unusually quiet. When I went to check on them, I found them still in their pajamas, giggling and having the best time. Meanwhile, not one thing had been done. I lost my cool.
As I walked away, one of them followed me and wrapped me in a big sweet hug. And in that moment, it hit me.
In my effort to do it all while creating Christmas magic, I had accidentally turned into a very stressed version of myself. Instead of enjoying the season with them, my mind was busy juggling a thousand ideas and errands, even worrying about tiny things like whether the size of our Christmas cards was a little smaller this year.
Then, when I thought about it, I realized that what my girls love most about Christmas are the simple traditions we repeat every year:
Decorating the tree together.
Watching the same holiday movies every December.
Baking cookies.
Reading our favorite Christmas picture books on Christmas Eve, our little collection that grows each year.
Walking around the neighborhood delivering cards and treats.
Making gingerbread houses with their grandparents when they visit.
I think these traditions give them a sense of comfort and belonging. And I know that as the years go by, they won’t remember every detail or every gift. They’ll remember how Christmas made them feel.
So, I decided I don’t want my girls to remember a very stressed-out mom bringing tension into the room. This year, I’m choosing to breathe, let go of expectations (or at least I’ll do my best), and enjoy this season for what it truly is.
If you don’t have any holiday traditions yet and would like to get a few ideas, read below:
Download your Simple Holiday Traditions list and a sweet Letter to Santa 🎄
