Updated: Dec. 13, 2018
Originally Published: Dec. 6, 2017
In my ideal world, fueled by Pinterest dreams, my home would resemble a collaboration between Martha Stewart and Chip and Joanna Gaines, bursting with holiday cheer. Imagine twinkling lights everywhere, the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, and a cozy fire crackling as snow gently falls outside.
But in reality, my house often smells more like sibling squabbles and, well, let’s just say less pleasant aromas. The festive spirit is far from what I envisioned, and most decorations seem to have a life of their own, creating a chaotic, rather than joyful, atmosphere.
Every year, I strive to create that magical holiday experience for my family, but often, I find myself under immense pressure. My schedule is already packed, making it difficult to fit in holiday traditions. Yet, here I am, trying to cram it all in.
I lose sleep decorating and wrapping gifts until I feel as glazed as a holiday ham. I juggle parties and events amid the chaos of Scouts and basketball practices. Even when we finally have a quiet evening at home, I feel compelled to fill it with holiday movies in matching pajamas—because nothing says festive like a reluctant family gathering when everyone would rather be in their comfy clothes playing video games.
I attempt to make my grandmother’s notoriously tricky roll-and-bake sugar cookies, only to cringe as my kids decorate them, sending sugar flying like confetti. Every few hours, I find myself re-hanging ornaments or adjusting tinsel that my children have knocked askew. In the end, I resort to stress-eating fudge and guzzling hot chocolate like an over-caffeinated elf, even though my kids likely wouldn’t care if the centerpiece was a little wonky.
This year, I’ve decided to take a different approach: I’m going for a laid-back holiday. I’ll step back from the elaborate decorations and let my kids take charge of the tree—sure, the ornaments might be unevenly placed, but that’s part of the fun! I’m skipping the cookie exchanges, and if my children want to bake, I’ll hand them some pre-made dough and remind them the oven is hot. I’ll cozy up with a movie and some festive socks, inviting them to join me with microwave popcorn if they feel like it.
Instead of imposing traditional activities on them just because “that’s what we do this time of year,” I’ll ask what they’d like to do to celebrate. A half-hearted holiday doesn’t mean I’m not trying to create joy; it’s about letting go of the need for perfection and allowing my kids to shape our holiday traditions. Imagine how thrilled they’ll be to choose their own highlights of the season! Everyone will feel more relaxed if I stop stressing about making everything perfect and just let things unfold naturally.
Reflecting on my own childhood, I remember a Christmas Eve when my dad donned a Santa Claus costume, a thoughtful gesture captured in a faded Polaroid. Yet, the memories I cherish most are of the Thanksgiving when my mom fell ill, and my grandma forgot to turn on the oven for the turkey. We ended up ordering Kentucky Fried Chicken, laughing until we cried—those moments became cherished family traditions.
Holidays don’t have to be grand to be unforgettable. There’s beauty in simplicity, and this year, I’m wholeheartedly embracing a more relaxed celebration.
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Summary:
This article discusses the pressures of holiday preparations and the author’s decision to embrace a more relaxed approach to celebrating the season. Instead of striving for perfection, she plans to allow her children to take the lead in holiday traditions, creating a more enjoyable experience for everyone. It emphasizes that simplicity can lead to memorable moments.