When it comes to Christmas morning, if you ask my children, their ideal scenario is simple: “Let’s stay home in our pajamas and play with our new toys all day.” And you know what? That’s exactly what we’ve chosen to do for the last several years—without any regrets.
Before my kids came along, our family had a cherished tradition of spending every Christmas in snowy Maine with relatives. It was a wonderful escape from our hectic city life, and we always enjoyed a picturesque white Christmas, thanks to the constant snowfall that begins in October. Our family hosts went all out with decorations, and there was always a warm, inviting atmosphere.
However, everything changed when our first child was born a decade ago. The once-enjoyable trip quickly morphed into a chaotic ordeal. Our baby was a car screamer, turning the four-hour drive into an exhausting eight-hour journey filled with endless stops to soothe him. Once we finally arrived, the festive atmosphere was overshadowed by the challenges of being in a new environment with a little one. His disrupted sleep and the temptation of beautiful but baby-unfriendly decorations meant that his Christmas breakfast consisted of pinecones and tinsel.
We optimistically thought the following year might be different, but as we continued to trek to Maine for Christmas, the reality set in—traveling with kids during the holidays was far from idyllic. My husband and I spent more time packing and unpacking than actually enjoying our time together. The screaming subsided, but crankiness lingered, and with the arrival of a second child, the chaos returned.
As our children grew older, they voiced a strong desire to enjoy holiday traditions in the comfort of our own home. It was hardly surprising; most kids prefer the coziness of familiar surroundings during the holidays, especially when they dream of unwrapping presents and playing with new toys.
So, a few years ago, we made the bold decision to forgo our annual trip to Maine. Let me tell you, making such a change isn’t as straightforward as it seems. The holidays can be a minefield of emotions, laden with guilt and expectations. Not everyone understands your reasoning, and some may even want to argue about it.
Breaking away from tradition can be difficult, especially during the holidays. However, over the years, we’ve learned to set boundaries that prioritize our family’s needs. While I do miss the magic of large family gatherings, I’ve come to appreciate the unique charm of spending the holidays with just my immediate family.
A “just us” holiday is filled with late nights, popcorn, and watching classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street until my kids fall asleep in my arms. It’s about waking up together on Christmas morning, indulging in leftover cookies for breakfast, and embracing the freedom of not having to please anyone else. There’s no pressure to dress up or adhere to anyone else’s traditions.
It’s about baking in our pajamas without worrying about messing up someone else’s kitchen, avoiding the stress of navigating multiple personalities and their holiday preferences. We can truly enjoy our time off without the hassle of packing and traveling. It’s less stress and more joy—because honestly, why should the holidays be stressful?
Yes, this shift may ruffle some feathers and mean letting go of some traditions, but it also opens the door to creating new ones that my children will cherish for years to come. If you find yourself overwhelmed by family obligations during the holiday season, consider embracing the idea of a cozy holiday spent at home with just your immediate family. Cut the cord, say goodbye to the stress, and do it your way. I promise, it can be just as magical as you envision.
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In summary, embracing a “just us” holiday can transform your family’s experience, allowing you to create cherished memories in a stress-free environment.