Nor do I any longer feel the need to
Hey guys, we are all deep in the holiday season which can be oh so fun right? The ‘do it all’ vibes that often come with this season have never worked well for me and my beautifully chaotic brain. I’ve learned to keep things simple and do what works best for both me and my family. We are nowhere close to doing it all during the holidays and here is how we have a less stressful holiday season as a family. We have a few traditions we keep up with and the rest we let go.
Admiring Christmas Lights
Our favorite (at least it’s my favorite) holiday tradition actually started during covid lockdown times when we weren’t able to do much. Every December, we pick a night to grab burgers and then drive around town looking at Christmas lights and listening to Christmas music. This year, we ran into Krampus.
Side note:
I did not know who Krampus was and man is he creepy. Krampus is said to have accompanies St. Nicholas in folklore and would punish the bad children. Talk about a stressful holiday season
This tradition is super easy and inexpensive but oh so fun. We still walk around each season going “purple Christmas lights Bubba!” years later. Our first year doing this Jack would have been about 2.5 and we lived in Texas near TCU (their colors are purple and white) and houses everywhere used purple Christmas lights. Jack was so excited to tell his big brother.
This tradition is super easy and inexpensive but oh so fun. We still walk around each season going “purple Christmas lights Bubba!” years later. Our first year doing this Jack would have been about 2.5 and we lived in Texas near TCU (their colors are purple and white) and houses everywhere used purple christmas lights. Jack was so excited to tell his big brother.
Gingerbread Houses
A second holiday tradition we have done every year since Ben (now almost 11) was a toddler is make gingerbread houses. I buy the kits from Target so again this is super simple. My husband actually does not enjoy this tradition and so I don’t make him do it anymore. I’m happy to do with the kids. I usually have to oversee a lot because there’s always been a toddler but this year our youngest is 4 and while he still needed a great deal of help, I was able to make my own as well.
That’s pretty much it! We put up our Christmas tree and decorate together and we get to see both sides of the family usually in the week leading up to Christmas. This year will be a bit of a marathon. Chirstmas Eve with my husband’s family
Traditions I do not participate in:
- Elf on a Shelf
- Going out shopping on Black Friday
- The million theme days at school (unless a child really wants to and they take charge)
- Sending Holiday Cards
- Santa pictures
Bottom line, do what works for you
I love that some people choose to do these things, that is great for them. I am in a season of my life where I have learned that vastly overextending myself does nothing for me, but it also does nothing for my family because all they end up with is an overstimulated, cranky, exhausted mom and partner. I’ve been able to let go of the ‘needing to do it all’ spirit by realizing that I’m better able to show up for those I love when I also remember to take care of myself.
“Release the desire to be a superhero this holiday season, and strive to be the most well-taken care version of yourself.” Michelle Maros
