I don’t remember many traditions we had growing up except for my dad watching “A Christmas Story” on repeat all Christmas Eve and giving us the minute by minute on Santa’s whereabouts via the Nordic Tracker on the radio. Those memories hold a special place in my heart but when I became a mother with children of my own, I was determined to fill my children’s lives with loads of special traditions and make the holidays as magical as I possibly could.
I’ve been so set on trying to guarantee that their holiday memories will be filled with nostalgia and joy that I’ve overdone it most years.
I have filled the entire month with special outings, Christmas movie nights, tons of crafts and fun treats, multiple countdown calendars, and loads of games and activities. I wanted to do “it all”. In a world full of picturesque Instagram feeds and never ending Pinterest boards for every aspect of the holiday season, it became a bit overwhelming. No matter how hard I tried, it would feel like I still wasn’t doing enough or decorating right or making perfect treats and meals. It was exhausting and overwhelming.
As my kids have gotten older, I’ve learned that our best traditions are the simple ones.
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When they talk of their favorite memories, it’s sitting under the Christmas tree reading stories, ding dong ditching treats for neighbors, and just spending time together. We love singing Christmas carols around the piano, creating art and crafts, baking treats to share with friends, making snow angels, going on Christmas light scavenger hunts, and snuggling up for a holiday movie!
I don’t want my children to only remember a stressed out mom or rushing from event to event. I want them to have memories of happy times with lots of love and laughter. Though it’s great to glean ideas from the plethora of sources we have today, our holidays don’t have to be so busy nor perfect.
In the hustle bustle that is the holiday season, allow yourself to slow down and do what brings your family joy. Just spend time together, playing and laughing.
I guarantee you the years go too quick and Christmas through your child’s eyes is truly magical so enjoy every minute that you can. I’m trying to be more conscientious and intentional with which traditions we keep doing and how we spend our time. I want to be more present, live in the moment, and let go of my old expectations. Our memories might not be social media post worthy or the same as anyone else’s but they will be full of love and joy which is essentially what the holidays are all about.
