It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…everywhere you go!

It’s true, this time of year can be sensory overload. From all the sales and “can’t miss” deals to the abundance of events & activities, decorations, treats and things to check off your list before Santa is here.

It can be overwhelming, especially as a parent.

I recently saw this quote on Instagram and it really clicked for me.

“I don’t remember the gifts I got when I was 6 or 10. I do remember the smell of the kitchen on Christmas morning. I remember counting the marshmallows my dad put in my hot cocoa. I remember waking up, giving my parents a hug and feeling magic before even opening a gift. Remember, the memories create the magic.”

This challenged me to think about the traditions and memories that stick out most for me from my childhood as I start to plan our own family holiday. For me, it’s…

Watching our favorite holiday movies in our pajamas…some classic like, It’s a Wonderful Life and some silly, like Muppets Christmas Carol
Decorating the Christmas tree - always a real tree. Putting up the ornaments and telling stories while the music played and sipping on eggnog
Going to evening mass on Christmas Eve and the magic that filled the church when everyone sang ‘Silent Night’
Putting out cookies & milk for Santa and not forgetting carrots for the reindeer on Christmas Eve
Waking up on Christmas morning and climbing into my parents bed (even as teenagers). Waiting until everyone was awake before walking down the stairs to see what Santa brought us.

To be honest, I can’t remember most of the gifts I received. Maybe it’s bad memory but it’s true that these little moments that became traditions are what feel the most special to me.

While Ford is still too young for many of these traditions, I’m excited to carry these on as a family while also adding in a few of our own.

A few traditions I’m hoping to create include:

Creating an Advent Calendar full of fun (and mostly free) experiences. Like, driving around to see the holiday lights or having hot cocoa & a movie night.
Creating a photo album as a gift to remember and reflect on the last year
Baking cookies and making gingerbread houses. We did this already and Ford had fun even at a young age!
Sticking to our gift strategy of “something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read” to not make it overwhelming with gifts! We also leave one gift out (unwrapped) from Santa.
Adopting a family with a child around Ford’s age to ensure someone in need as a magical holiday