These are the things I remember from last Christmas.
We vowed that this year would be different. Although now we can better anticipate what our child needs and what he doesn’t, and he’s a little older so we have less things to carry, the thought of running around until our heads spin once again was making me anxious about a holiday that used to make me happy. When it was just me and my husband, we put up with five Christmases in two days. I am constantly trying to please everyone, yet it never seems like it’s enough. Guess what? It’s my son’s first Christmas where he’ll understand what’s happening, and we’re going to do what he wants to do. (Open presents, eat everything in sight, play with toys, and spend quality time together.)
I want to remember little moments of my son staring at the presents under the tree in wonder. I want to remember him making my parents laugh with his dance moves to Christmas music. I want memories I can treasure, and I need the time and the ability to let my mind relax in order to make that happen. Christmas is about spending time with those you love, not biding your time until the next place you have to stop.
This year, we’re only going to one place on Christmas Day. It wasn’t a huge hit with everyone, but we put our foot down, and we made a new schedule work. We love our family and it’s important to see them all, but something had to give; I can’t make my own immediate family unhappy in order to make others happy. I encourage you to do the same: if there is something that irks you within your family traditions, change them! The happier you are, the more memories you’ll make with those who matter the most.
