Usually I am in high mode for the holiday season. I have books wrapped for a holiday countdown, a jar of activities for the kids, a high maintenance photo session for the family, and am a ball of nerves.
This year, our efforts were focused on our Big Give which created less space and time for my usual flurry for the holidays. My family members have been in and out of the hospital, some of my family are without work or are having a hard time financially, and it has flipped a switch in me.
Don’t get me wrong, we are still doing things, but it is low-key and as we please. The photo session moved to our house this year as we decorated our tree and cookies. Our gift-giving was considerably scaled back and rather than my scheduled activities, we have just done things when we want to.
I have given myself permission to have a simple Christmas this year. I have given myself permission to make homemade gifts when I might have bought them. I have let my kids decorate the tree without fixing it. I have put out some decorations, but didn’t buy new ones. I didn’t participate in a cookie exchange and made cookies just for ourselves. I shopped online and allowed myself the pleasure of completely avoiding the mall this year. I wrapped gifts, but I wrapped with what we had on hand and kept it simple.
The hot cocoa is still flowing, the holiday lights are still enjoyed as we drive through the neighborhoods, the holiday music is still fa-la-laing. It is still as grand as ever.
And my holiday…well, it is still filled with unbelievable joy and tradition. And dare I say it? Peace. Just a little of that too.
Tradition & Togetherness. That is what it is all about, my friends.
xoxoxo,
Amy
(photo source: Brittani Renee Photography)
Right on Amy! That is what’s it’s all about!
Blessings!!!
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Thanks for sharing, Amy. Merry Christmas!
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Amy, I am so with you this year – we are having a much simpler Christmas, too. And while I was worried about it at first (all of the activities we would miss), it has been so nice.
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Amen.
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I just loved your pictures. Making cookies and frosting them has been a tradition with my children since they were small. Your family looked so nice and neat, we usually had flour everywhere before the cookies were even in the oven. Now at 14 & 18 my sons still look forward to our cookie time. Thanks for sharing!!
Tammy from NC
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Your post brought tears to my eyes, Amy. This is the hardest time of year for me missing my dad. And as happy has I am to watch my little boys grow up, it is all the more bittersweet that he isn’t here to share it with me. Thanks for the ode to simple love and appreciation! hugs, Heather
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That’s great! We will definitely be simplifying things next year. We are trying to get all of our bills paid off and we just don’t need more stuff. I hate that the world has gotten so bad with all of the commercialism. I would like to reverse the “damage” with my daughter if possible.
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Good for you!
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A simple Christmas is the absolute best thing you can for your family…cut the stress, the shopping, and the nightmares (to a minimum…)
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