If you were to ask my kids what their ideal Christmas morning looks like, they’d simply say, “Staying home in our pajamas, playing with our new toys all day.” It really is that straightforward, and for the past few years, that’s exactly what we’ve done—without a hint of regret.
However, it wasn’t always like this. Before we had children, we spent every Christmas in the snowy charm of Maine with extended family. We cherished those moments, escaping our hectic city life for the tranquility of a white Christmas. Our relatives were always welcoming, decorating their home beautifully and showering us with warmth and kindness.
But when our first child was born a decade ago, the annual trek to Maine transformed from a beloved tradition into a chaotic ordeal. Our little one was a car screamer, turning what used to be a four-hour drive into an exhausting eight-hour journey filled with stops for soothing. Once we arrived, despite our family’s hospitality, adjusting to their non-babyproofed home was a challenge. I still remember our baby’s Christmas breakfast consisting of pinecones and tinsel!
We held onto the hope that the following year would be different, but after several years of the same experience, it became clear that traveling with kids during the holidays was not the blissful adventure we had envisioned. We (or rather, I, since my partner has never packed for anything in his life) spent more time preparing and unpacking than actually enjoying our destination. The car screaming eventually subsided, but crankiness lingered, especially with the addition of another child.
As our kids grew, they began to express a desire to celebrate the holidays in the comfort of our own home. And who could blame them? Most kids prefer to cozy up in their familiar surroundings, especially during a festive season when all they want is to relax and enjoy their long-awaited gifts.
So, a few years ago, we made the tough decision to break from tradition. We stopped our Christmas journeys to Maine.
Let me tell you, this decision wasn’t easy. The holidays come with a lot of emotional weight—guilt, pressure, and the expectation of family traditions. It’s tough to step away from what everyone else expects. Yet, as we’ve matured as a family, establishing our boundaries has become easier.
I do miss the special moments spent with extended family, and I cherish my children’s relationships with their aunts, uncles, and cousins. But there’s a unique magic in spending the holidays at home with our immediate family. Honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
A “just us” holiday means late nights filled with popcorn, cuddling up to watch classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street until the kids drift off in my arms. It means waking up on Christmas morning together, enjoying leftover cookies for breakfast, and knowing there’s no pressure to please anyone or show up anywhere—pants optional!
It means baking together in our pajamas, free from the stress of sharing someone else’s kitchen. It means avoiding the complexities of managing countless personalities and their varying holiday preferences. Most importantly, it means relishing every precious moment without the hassle of packing and traveling.
Sure, embracing this new tradition might ruffle some feathers, but it also allows us to create our unique family customs—ones that my children will cherish for years to come.
So, if family obligations are weighing you down this holiday season and spending time at home with just your immediate family sounds appealing, go for it! Say goodbye to the old ways and forge a path that feels right for you. I assure you, it will be just as magical as you dream it to be.
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In summary, creating a “just us” holiday can redefine your family traditions, offering a more relaxed and joyful experience that everyone will treasure.
Keyphrase: Just Us Holiday Traditions
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