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It’s that time of year again! That’s right, it’s time for my annual Christmas Collection. I always look forward to sharing my top picks for gifts, but this year I decided to switch things up a bit. (Don’t worry, the tradition of wearing cozy Christmas onesies is here to stay.)

This year, instead of sharing gift ideas, my daughter, Kariss, joined me to reminisce over our favorite Christmas memories (and our not-so-favorite gifts). And let me just say, a good time was had. I love that we get together and spend time together in this way. I also love that we get to invite you into our conversation!

Of course, there’s no way to have a conversation about holiday traditions without talking about my mom, who we all affectionately call “Nonny.” The impact of Nonny’s Christmas traditions can still be felt today. One of those traditions was her commitment to cooking her delicious pumpkin bread. She was sure to make more than enough for our family so that from the overflow, she could give away some of that deliciousness to other families. 

The joy that she embraced during the holidays spilled over to all of us, so much so that now it can be challenging to create new traditions. However, every now and then, life leaves room to reflect on the past so that out of the old, something new can spring forth.

Our conversation this year created one of those spaces.

As a wife and mom of five, Kariss is in the middle of figuring out which traditions she will keep and which traditions she will establish for her own family. But something tells me it won’t be hard for her to do the very thing that my mother taught me to do.

 “Let everything you do be an overflow of you.”

In our quest to produce the perfect Christmas for our children, our families, and our friends, it can be easy to get caught up in superficial things. Before long, the pressure to buy the perfect gifts can lead to stress and sadness, causing us to lose sight of the true reason for the season. 

But here’s the reminder Kariss and I discussed that I think will help you:

When you make room for the things that bring YOU joy, you’re able to have some of that joy spill over to those closest to you.

Want to see the Christmas lights? Take your family to see them with you. Love snuggling up with hot chocolate and watching Christmas movies? Gather your girls for a movie night at the house. You don’t have to do everything; just do something that makes you light up from the inside out.

It is impossible to pour from an empty cup. Decide what margin you have to say yes to this holiday season. Attending every holiday party and Christmas program might leave you feeling depleted. Trying to get everyone everything on their wish list can leave you exhausted, not to mention in debt. However, when you focus on what you have in your hand, you will find that you have everything you need to celebrate the season well.

If you’ve found yourself lamenting the holidays because of all of the demands to do things just right, know that you can choose to do things differently this year. The memories you create now will last a lifetime. Cherish those you love and do something you love. The rest will flow from there. 

Wishing you a peaceful Christmas,

Chrystal

 

Highlights from Today’s Episode

  • Reliving Christmas at Nonny’s 
  • Navigating hard during the holidays
  • Doing more of what brings you joy
  • Establishing new Christmas traditions

Related Resources

Other Stuff to Check Out

Let’s Talk!

  1. What are your favorite Christmas memories?
  2. How can you do more of what brings you joy this holiday season?
  3. What are the things that make Christmas feel like Christmas for you? What kind of music do you listen to? Which recipes do you pull out to cook? Who do you spend time with?

 

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