This year, I’ve decided to take a different route. I’m skipping the chaotic mall crowds and the late-night online shopping marathons. I won’t be peeking at what my friends are gifting their children or how many extravagant holiday displays they’re setting up—because let’s face it, one tree is often deemed insufficient these days. And I refuse to plunge into debt for the sake of purchasing the “must-have” items.
My children don’t require an abundance of plastic trinkets or sugary treats this season. They certainly don’t need every trending toy or gadget. More importantly, I don’t want to feel frazzled when they lose interest in their new toys after a mere two minutes, leaving me overwhelmed by the clutter of “enough.”
I’m done with the stress that comes from trying to orchestrate the “ideal” holiday experience for my family. After 14 holiday seasons as a mom, I’ve learned that more gifts often lead to more distractions. The more they have, the quicker their moods shift, resulting in whiny fits that can turn even the merriest of moments into chaos. And believe me, nothing dampens the holiday spirit more than a frazzled mom and a chorus of complaints from the kids.
But resisting the holiday frenzy is no small feat. It’s all too easy to get swept away by the allure of dazzling toys and Pinterest-perfect ideas. The urge to recreate my own cherished childhood memories can be tempting, but this year, I’m prioritizing quality over quantity.
I’m choosing to gift my family the priceless present of a relaxed and present mom. This isn’t my first time at this holiday rodeo, and I finally understand what truly matters.
Instead of striving for manufactured magic, we’ll focus on experiences that create lasting memories. Here’s our plan:
We’re Donating.