As the holiday season approaches, I’ve made a conscious decision: I’m stepping away from the chaos of shopping malls and late-night deal-hunting. This year, I’m not peeking at what gifts my friends are buying their kids or how many trees are being displayed in their homes—because, honestly, one tree seems to be enough. I refuse to go into debt just to secure the latest toy for my children.
My kids certainly don’t need piles of cheap toys or sugary treats this year. They don’t require the trendiest gadgets or most sought-after gifts. More importantly, I’m done with the stress of watching them lose interest in a new toy after a mere two minutes, only to be left with the clutter and my own feelings of inadequacy, thinking that I haven’t provided them with enough.
I will not succumb to the pressure of creating the “perfect” holiday experience. After 14 years of parenting during the holiday season, one thing has become clear: the more my children receive, the more distracted they become. This leads to meltdowns and irritability, which only adds to my own stress levels. Nothing dampens the holiday spirit quite like a grumpy mom and whiny kids.
That said, resisting the holiday frenzy is no easy task. The temptation to overindulge is real, particularly with the nostalgia that comes with this time of year. I often find myself wanting my kids to feel the love I have for them, but this year, I’m determined to prioritize quality over quantity.
This season, I’m gifting my family the most valuable present of all: a stress-free mom. I’ve learned my lesson, and I’m committed to resisting the urge to manufacture holiday magic through excessive spending. Instead, we will focus on creating meaningful memories that will last a lifetime.
Here’s our plan:
- Giving Back: We’ll donate food to local food pantries for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We’re also sending funds to animal shelters and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Each child will choose a name from our local country store’s giving tree to select a gift for someone in need. This tradition has always brought us warmth and joy.
- Crafting Together: We’ll dive into arts and crafts, making a delightful mess with glitter and glue. It’s about the experience, not the outcome, as we explore creativity beyond screens.
- Holiday Lights Tour: Unlike previous years where holiday tasks overshadowed this tradition, we will take the time to drive around and admire our neighbors’ light displays. Nothing beats sipping hot cocoa while enjoying the festive sights.
- Baking Memories: I’ll pull out my recipe box to recreate the cookies my mom made for us. We’ll package them nicely to share with friends and family—because homemade treats always carry a special touch.
- Movie Nights: We’ll enjoy cozy movie nights in our pajamas, complete with popcorn and eggnog. I don’t mind watching our favorite holiday films multiple times; the joy of laughter and togetherness is what counts.
I’ll buy each of my kids a few thoughtful gifts, knowing that fewer, meaningful presents will resonate more than a mountain of items just for show. If they want to give gifts to friends, we’ll make them—because creativity is a gift in itself.
This holiday season, we will dial down the materialism and savor the moments together, rather than filling our days with endless shopping and gift-wrapping. My children may not unwrap a plethora of gifts on Christmas morning, but we will embrace the spirit of giving and cherish our time together. True happiness comes from sharing our blessings and creating memories that transcend any wrapped present.
I wish I had come to this realization sooner, but it’s never too late to embrace what truly matters.