Christmas has always been my favorite time of year, but I’ll be honest—this year, it took a little longer for us to truly get into the Christmas spirit. It’s been a particularly challenging year for our family, and finding the energy to pull everything together felt harder than usual. But as I look around at the magic of the season, I’m reminded that there’s still so much to celebrate and be thankful for.
Even though the Christmas tree gave us a bit of trouble this year (seriously, it just wasn’t coming together!), the joy and excitement of this season remind me why I love it so much. For me, it’s always been about cherishing annual traditions and making memories that my family will carry with them for years to come. Sometimes, however, it doesn’t quite pan out that way and I’m learning to be okay with that.
Adjusting and Adapting: Giving Ourselves Grace This Year
Let’s be real—the holidays can bring a lot of joy, but they can also bring a lot of pressure. The pressure to make everything perfect, to create magical moments, and to uphold every tradition can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
This year, we decided to let go of the “perfect holiday” and give ourselves some grace. Instead of over-planning or overextending ourselves, we made adjustments to simplify the season while still creating memorable moments for our family.
Here are a few ways we adapted this year:
- Store-Bought Cookies for Santa: Instead of baking homemade cookies, we opted for store-bought treats. Santa still got his cookies, and we saved time and energy!
- A Simplified Christmas Eve Celebration: Rather than hosting a big Christmas Eve brunch with elaborate decor, games, and food, we had a smaller gathering with just one other family. We decorated gingerbread houses, roasted s’mores, and enjoyed a casual nacho bar. It was still a hit—the kids had a blast, and the adults loved the relaxed vibe.
- Lazy Days and Holiday Movies: We embraced downtime with lazy days of binge-watching holiday movies and even let the kids enjoy some extra screen time on their devices.
This year wasn’t about checking off every tradition perfectly; it was about spending time together in a way that worked for us. And you know what? It felt just as magical.
Our Favorite Holiday Traditions
While we simplified some aspects of the season, we held onto a few traditions that make Christmas special for our family:
1. New!! Afternoon Tea with Santa at the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead
One of the highlights of our holiday season was an elegant Afternoon Tea with Santa at the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead. My daughter and I dressed up for the occasion, and it was our very first tea experience—but definitely not our last!
The ambiance, the delicious treats, and the festive atmosphere made it a truly magical outing. This was super fun and I’d love to keep this tradition for as long as she’ll indulge me.
2. The Elf on the Shelf’s Daily Adventures
Every morning, the kids race to see where our mischievous Elf has landed. It’s a fun way to start the day and adds a little magic to their mornings!
3. Stocked Advent Calendars
Our Advent calendars are always a hit, filled with sweet treats, fun surprises, and small crafts. It’s such a simple yet meaningful way to count down to Christmas Day.
4. Christmas Movies We Watch Every Year
You can always catch us snuggled up on the couch watching Home Alone, The Polar Express, or The Grinch. These movies are a must in our household and bring the holiday magic to life.
Why Holiday Traditions Matter
The kids won’t be little forever, and that’s why we cherish these traditions and moments so much. The magic of Christmas lies in these little rituals—the Elf antics, cozy movie nights, shared meals, and outings like Afternoon Tea with Santa. They’re not just activities; they’re the threads that tie us together as a family.
Creating annual traditions helps us hold onto the joy of the season and ensures that no matter how challenging life gets, we have something to look forward to and hold onto.
What About You?
How do you celebrate the holidays with your loved ones? What special traditions does your family hold near and look forward to each year? I’d love to hear about the ways you make the season magical!
Looking to start new holiday traditions or create memorable events for your family? Whether it’s a Christmas Eve brunch or a festive gathering, Davis Signature Events & Design can help you plan an unforgettable experience.
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