When asked about their ideal Christmas morning, my children would enthusiastically respond, “We want to stay home all day in our pajamas and play with our new toys!” And you know what? That simple wish has become our reality for the last few holiday seasons, and we have no regrets.
However, this was not always the case. Before becoming parents, we cherished our Christmas tradition of traveling to Maine to be with extended family. It was a delightful escape from our hectic city life, and we were almost guaranteed a picturesque, snow-covered Christmas. Our relatives always made us feel welcome, decorating beautifully and showering us with love.
But everything changed with the arrival of our first child, Noah, ten years ago. The trip that once took merely four hours became a grueling eight-hour ordeal due to our newborn’s incessant crying. Once we arrived, despite the warmth and hospitality of our family, the experience of adapting to a new environment with a baby was overwhelming. Noah was restless, his sleeping schedule was disrupted, and he couldn’t resist grabbing at every delicate decoration in their un-babyproofed home. His Christmas breakfast that year? Pinecones and tinsel.
We hoped that subsequent years would be better, but the harsh reality of traveling with children during the holidays set in. The logistics of packing and unpacking became more cumbersome than the enjoyment we derived from the visits. While the car screaming eventually subsided, we faced crankiness and, with the addition of another child, the cycle repeated itself.
As our kids grew older, they expressed a strong desire to partake in holiday traditions in the comfort of our own home. And honestly, who can blame them? Most children naturally gravitate towards the coziness of their environment, especially during the holidays, when they yearn for a familiar space to play with all the gifts they’ve dreamt about for months.
So, a few years ago, we made the significant decision to forgo our annual trip to Maine for Christmas. This choice, though liberating, was not without its challenges. The holiday season often carries heavy expectations, and breaking tradition can lead to feelings of guilt or even conflict within families.
However, it’s perfectly valid—and sometimes necessary—to redefine how we spend our holidays. As we matured, we found it easier to establish these boundaries. While I do acknowledge the special moments spent with extended family, I’ve come to appreciate the unique magic of a “just us” holiday.
Imagine spending evenings together, watching classic holiday films like A Charlie Brown Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street, until the kids drift off in your arms. There’s nothing quite like carrying them to bed, collapsing in a heap, and snuggling until morning. Waking up on Christmas Day, indulging in leftover cookies for breakfast, and enjoying the freedom of not having to rush anywhere is pure bliss.
A “just us” holiday means we can bake together in our pajamas, free from the worries of messing up someone else’s kitchen. It allows us to avoid the complexities of managing various personalities with differing ideas of how the holidays should unfold. We can fully embrace our time off work without the added stress of packing or traveling, savoring every lazy moment as a family.
Yes, this choice may upset some relatives, but it also opens the door to creating new traditions that my children will cherish forever. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by family obligations during the holidays, consider the option of spending this special time at home with your immediate family. Embrace the freedom to do it your way—it can be just as magical as you’ve always imagined.
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In summary, while the allure of familial gatherings during the holidays is undeniable, prioritizing time spent with your immediate family can create lasting memories. Don’t hesitate to redefine your holiday traditions for a more stress-free and enjoyable experience.
Keyphrase: ‘just us’ holiday
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