We are currently living only in the top floor of our house while we have our kitchen repaired and boiler replaced and I’m low-key grieving the fun parts of holiday decorating- for me, picking out a tree and then lighting candles in the wreath on our dining room table. We’re eating all of our meals in our bedroom and trying to contain the toddler mess off the bed- the “picnic” allure has worn off for us all already!
Erin, a really good reminder that we don't have to be all things to all people at this time of year. Great to remember to do the things you like, when you feel like it, and forget the rest. My children are adults now, but still living at home. As our family has got smaller, without grandparents, I try to think of different things to do. Some work, some don't. We now do Secret Santa and only buy one present, which has to be sustainable or second hand. Still have to do stockings though!
I grew up with an advent calendar that had a little stuffed tree that you moved from pocket to pocket. Nothing was ever in the pockets but we loved the anticipation of the holiday and the little ritual of moving the tree. I repurposed a little toy reindeer to do the same thing for my kids (6 and 2) and so far...they're equally thrilled by it! I always appreciate these recentering posts -- we're all doing great and all quantities of magic still = magic ;)
We are moving (thank god ten minutes away) over the next two weeks and it was hard to acknowledge that that would put a damper on the holiday season. I didn't get to prep or plan as much as I would like. I caved and bought a chocolate Advent calendar instead of setting up my own. Holiday realism and I'll do my best to make a little magic setting my new home
"Make Magic but skip the Magical Thinking" - nailed it.
Currently agonizing about whether we are going to spend like $90 for some Christmas light zoo thing that requires crossing a bridge and staying up too late. Maybe that's a no for me dawg. Also, we had a totally shit tantrum filled time at a Christmas tree farm 2 years ago, gonna enjoy a parking lot Christmas tree this year :)
As I was attempting to force too many things into my activity-based advent calendar, I paused to read this. Needless to say, the timing couldn’t have been better. Thank you for the reminder that chocolate can, and will, suffice.
Ahh! In complete agreement with you on all of this, thank you for so clearly articulating how I feel about this time of year. It’s only magical and lovely if there’s actually joy involved 🤦🏻♀️
What good reminders and perspective on this season! Thank you, Erin.
We are currently living only in the top floor of our house while we have our kitchen repaired and boiler replaced and I’m low-key grieving the fun parts of holiday decorating- for me, picking out a tree and then lighting candles in the wreath on our dining room table. We’re eating all of our meals in our bedroom and trying to contain the toddler mess off the bed- the “picnic” allure has worn off for us all already!
Erin, a really good reminder that we don't have to be all things to all people at this time of year. Great to remember to do the things you like, when you feel like it, and forget the rest. My children are adults now, but still living at home. As our family has got smaller, without grandparents, I try to think of different things to do. Some work, some don't. We now do Secret Santa and only buy one present, which has to be sustainable or second hand. Still have to do stockings though!
Love this, thank you :) And happy magical (but not unrealistic) holidays to you all!
I grew up with an advent calendar that had a little stuffed tree that you moved from pocket to pocket. Nothing was ever in the pockets but we loved the anticipation of the holiday and the little ritual of moving the tree. I repurposed a little toy reindeer to do the same thing for my kids (6 and 2) and so far...they're equally thrilled by it! I always appreciate these recentering posts -- we're all doing great and all quantities of magic still = magic ;)
YES. To all of this ✨
this is just exactly what I needed to hear as we enter the holiday season. EXACTLY. thank you, Erin.
We are moving (thank god ten minutes away) over the next two weeks and it was hard to acknowledge that that would put a damper on the holiday season. I didn't get to prep or plan as much as I would like. I caved and bought a chocolate Advent calendar instead of setting up my own. Holiday realism and I'll do my best to make a little magic setting my new home
Cut from the reel indeed!
"Make Magic but skip the Magical Thinking" - nailed it.
Currently agonizing about whether we are going to spend like $90 for some Christmas light zoo thing that requires crossing a bridge and staying up too late. Maybe that's a no for me dawg. Also, we had a totally shit tantrum filled time at a Christmas tree farm 2 years ago, gonna enjoy a parking lot Christmas tree this year :)
bahaha, yes and YES.
As I was attempting to force too many things into my activity-based advent calendar, I paused to read this. Needless to say, the timing couldn’t have been better. Thank you for the reminder that chocolate can, and will, suffice.
yes! so glad!
Ahh! In complete agreement with you on all of this, thank you for so clearly articulating how I feel about this time of year. It’s only magical and lovely if there’s actually joy involved 🤦🏻♀️
So appreciate this one Erin! And even as someone without children I feel the same way about this time of year. Here's to the magic and the realism!