Embracing Grace and Gratitude: Redefining Holiday Perfection

Hey everyone! I’m back and ready to rock! After a little break, life threw me some curveballs. But you know what? Sometimes you just have to take a step back and regroup. As a mom living with anxiety and OCD, it was tough but necessary. Right now, I’m all about giving myself some grace, which means learning to take it easy. I’m on a mission to avoid overwhelming myself and savor the little things. That’s the plan, at least!

So, let's dive into today’s topic, shall we? Who else finds themselves chasing after perfection, especially during the holiday season? *Raises hand* Are you the parent who tries to do it all during the holidays? Do you transform your home into a winter wonderland? Are you so focused on pleasing everyone that you forget about yourself? Do you look back on the holidays and wonder where the time went? Do you remember the stress more than the joy? It’s time to shift our focus and remember what truly matters during the holidays: family, faith, and making lasting memories.

I’ll admit, I’m guilty of trying to do it all and then some. But not this year! I’m taking a different approach. I’m slowing down and soaking in the moments. I want my kids to remember the laughter, the traditions, and the love we share during the holidays—cozy pajama days and Christmas movies, hot cocoa by the fireplace, leisurely walks in the park admiring the neighborhood lights, learning the true meaning of Christmas at church, and giving back to those in need. This holiday season is all about quality time and gratitude. I’m hitting the brakes and savoring every moment. Who’s with me?

Now, that doesn’t mean I’m not going to be festive; you can bet that I will enjoy all the holiday shenanigans! But I plan to be truly present for them. I’m going to focus on the moment and not get distracted by my long to-do list and the unattainable idea of perfection.

If you look back on your childhood, what do you remember most about the holidays? For me, it was sitting around the table and admiring the smiles on everyone’s faces. It was the cozy feeling in my aunt's house, the music softly playing in the background. It was the olives I loved to steal and put on my fingers. It was watching my grandpa make the gravy and riding on my cousin's back down the stairs. It was putting the ornaments on the tree with my dad and the excitement of what Santa would bring in the morning. I remember sitting together on the couch, opening presents in our pajamas. There were so many other things we did for the holidays, but these little moments stood out to me. They are what I cherish and hold dear to my heart. These are the things our kids will remember most, too. So, go ahead and step back a bit, Parents. Give yourself some grace. <3

I usually like to announce that you should watch out for next week's blog post. However, to give myself some grace, I’ll instead say to stay tuned for an upcoming blog post, though I can’t guarantee it will be next week. I’ll keep you guessing! In the meantime, I’d love to hear your favorite ways to give back during the holidays in the comments section below. :)

Warmest Wishes, Christy