Unwrapping Joy: A Guide to Letting Kids Be Kids This Christmas
Hey there, holiday heroes! 🎄✨
As we gear up for the most wonderful time of the year, let's hit pause on the chaos and take a collective deep breath.
Mamas, you're doing an incredible job, and I'm here to sprinkle a little extra magic on your holiday season.
Tip #1: Embrace the Chaos
🎉 Chaos is just another word for unforgettable memories in the making! Don't stress over every spilled sprinkle or tangled strand of lights. Let the laughter flow, and remember, those messy moments are the ones our kiddos will cherish the most. (This is most likely the hardest one for me to embrace... I still struggle with "letting go" - Do it with me... deep breath in, deep breath out...)
Tip #2: Ditch the Perfect Pinterest Christmas
📌 Let's be real, not every holiday moment needs to be Pinterest-worthy. Sometimes the most magical memories come from the heart, not the crafting aisle. So, put down the glue gun, grab some crayons, and let your little ones' creativity shine. 🌈 I think over the years, I myself have let this expectation go!!! haha, my boys are just not excited about the decorations, the tree or any part of making the home Christmassy.
Tip #3: Say Yes to the Spontaneous Snowball Fight
❄️ Who says you can't have a snowball fight in your PJs? Let's toss aside the to-do list, bundle up, and let loose in a spontaneous snowball battle. Trust me, those giggles are the soundtrack of a perfect winter day. My hope is to try and give this a go! With two reluctant teen boys in the house now... Fingers crossed it goes to plan!
Tip #4: Bake Cookies, Not Stress
🍪 The smell of freshly baked cookies is the real holiday magic. But here's the secret: It's not about the intricacy of the recipe; it's about the joy of making a mess in the kitchen together. So, cue the flour fights and enjoy every deliciously imperfect cookie. I recently baked with our youngest for his birthday. I was surprised he wanted to be a part of making his own birthday cake. I realized it was just being with me, and being a part of it all that he really wanted. It's what kids want.
Tip #5: Let the Lights Do the Talking
💡 Moms, you don't need a perfectly coordinated light display to dazzle your little ones. Whether you have a single twinkling strand or a winter wonderland in your front yard, the magic of Christmas lights is undeniable. Let simplicity shine! We've been the traditional multicoloured Christmas lighted home on our street for many years. I like it, the kids like it. No muss and no fuss!
Tip #6: Make "Togetherness" the Ultimate Gift
🎁 Forget the holiday shopping stress. The most cherished gifts are the ones that can't be wrapped – quality time, laughter, and shared experiences. So, instead of racing through crowded malls, savor the joy of being present with your loved ones. And this can be tough if you're a mama like me who wants to give her kids everything she could ever think and wish for them! Haha, however, it's true... time spent together is the ultimate. And I'm seeing first hand just how quickly the time is passing with my oldest who turns 16 in a few weeks time. He spends more time with his girlfriend and friends than he does family now. I don't blame him, but I also thought we'd have more time to continue the family togetherness.
Tip #7: Snowy Adventures Await
⛄️ Canada, our winter wonderland, is the perfect backdrop for snowy adventures. Bundle up, grab the sleds, and hit the hills for a day of frosty fun. The best memories are made in the great outdoors! One year, I ordered the 60 cup hot chocolate from Tim Hortons and we brought it to the hill with us. We made many friends and many memories that year!
Tip #8: Movie Nights, PJs, and Hot Cocoa Galore
🍿 Cozy up with your kiddos, throw on those matching PJs, and indulge in holiday movie marathons. Hot cocoa with extra marshmallows is non-negotiable. It's the simple traditions that create lasting warmth. Perhaps we'll try something like this on Christmas eve?
Tip #9: Dance Like Nobody's Watching
💃 Turn up the holiday tunes and have a dance party in the living room. Let go of inhibitions, embrace the goofy moves, and create a dance-floor memory that'll be talked about for years to come. For me, I love to listen to the tunes while I cook supper. I plan to listen exclusively to Christmas music and see what kind of fun I can encourage my boys to get up into while I'm cooking up a storm!
Tip #10: Capture the Candid Moments
📸 Put down the perfectly posed holiday photo agenda. Instead, capture the candid, unexpected moments – the messy kitchen, the laughter-filled snowball fights, the impromptu dance-offs. These snapshots are the real treasures.
Mommas, you've got this! Let's make this Christmas a celebration of joy, laughter, and the beautiful messiness of being a family. 🎅✨
Wishing you all a season filled with love, light, and the sweet chaos of letting kids be kids. 🌟💕
Sending holiday hugs your way, 🎅✨