A Merry Christmas – Finding the Magic in Simplicity

Growing up, Christmas was simple, yet magical. It wasn’t about extravagant decorations or last-minute gift-buying panic. It was about family, the birth of Christ, tradition, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. I remember the smell of homemade baking filling the house, the handful of modest gifts under the tree, and the excitement that built up in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

One of my fondest memories is our grandparents coming over every year. Their visits were always filled with love and warmth. When they arrived, you could feel the whole house brighten up. We would gather around, excited to spend time with them and hear Grampa Jacks long - long-winded stories from the past. Those moments, with their faces lit up by joy and the sound of their laughter filling the room, were what made the holiday season so special. And then there was our aunt. Every year, when she walked in, she would shout, “HELLO, HELLO, HELLO!” That was the first sign that Christmas had officially begun in our home. Her voice, so full of life and energy, always made us feel like everything was just as it should be.

Our parents would also take us around to visit all our elder relatives in the weeks before Christmas. There was something special about watching their faces light up as a parade of 10+ children walked through their doors, their homes filled with the joyful noise of laughter and excited chatter. These visits weren’t just obligatory family gatherings. They were about connecting, showing love, and reminding those who had been around for so many Christmases that they still mattered to us, even in the hustle and bustle of the season.

Then there were the gifts we made ourselves. We didn’t run to Walmart to grab a gift card and call it a day. We got creative. We took the time to make homemade gifts for our teachers, showing appreciation in a way that felt personal and heartfelt. Whether it was a hand-painted card, a milk jug snowman, or carefully baked goods, these were gifts made with love. There was something so special about giving something you had put thought and effort into, rather than something hastily bought.

As kids, we weren’t bogged down by the stress of finding the perfect gift or trying to impress anyone. We focused on the real reason behind the holidays: love, togetherness, and gratitude. It was a time to be thankful for what we had and to appreciate the small, simple things that made life rich. We didn’t need to be overwhelmed by the pressure to do it all perfectly. We had everything we needed in each other and the memories we were making.

Now, as an adult, things have changed. The expectations of Christmas seem to have gotten bigger, flashier, and more complicated. The pressure to make Christmas perfect can feel overwhelming. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m guilty of putting some of that pressure on my own kids too. As much as I want to simplify things and focus on what truly matters, I sometimes catch myself pushing them to be part of every holiday tradition, to help with all the decorations, or to get the perfect Santa photo. I’ve found myself getting caught up in the same whirlwind of expectations that I try so hard to avoid. But I’m learning, just like they are, that it's okay to let go of perfection and enjoy the moments as they come, imperfections and all.

One of my favorite traditions is decorating our tree with only handmade ornaments and ones we’ve picked up on our travels. It’s become a little ritual, each ornament telling a story, whether it’s from a family vacation or something my kids made with their own hands. Reminiscing about where each ornament came from is one of the most joyful parts of decorating. It’s a tradition that feels personal and meaningful, something that goes beyond the glitter and the glam.

If you ask my kids what they love most about Christmas, they’ll tell you it’s the board games we play together, the visits we make to family, the Christmas music that’s always playing in the background, watching those cheesy Hallmark movies, and our annual Christmas Eve party. Not once have they ever mentioned the presents. So why do I always stress about finding the perfect gift? They don’t expect it. In fact, they cherish the simple things, the moments that make Christmas feel magical, not the things under the tree. And yet, I often put unnecessary pressure on myself to get it all “just right,” or worse, slap it on a credit card. I’ve realized that the real joy comes from those shared experiences, not from spending hours trying to find the perfect item that might get tossed aside by January or forgotten in the chaos of everyday life.

The Grinch was right—maybe Christmas does mean a little bit more. It’s not about the flashy lights or the perfect tree or the Pinterest-worthy wrapping paper. Christmas is about the people you’re with, the moments you share, and the love you give and receive. I’m a strong believer that, regardless of our current circumstances, there is always a glimmer of hope and something to be grateful for if we choose to see it. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, but if we take a moment to reflect and truly appreciate what we have, the holidays can bring us back to what matters: love, family, and gratitude.

So this year, I’m keeping it simple. I’m focusing on the traditions that matter to me, the ones that bring joy and warmth to my heart. I’m stepping away from the pressure to overcomplicate things and leaning into the magic of simplicity. Because in the end, the best part of Christmas isn’t the stuff—it’s the memories we create, the love we share, and the time we spend with those we cherish.

Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope this season brings you the peace, love, and joy you deserve. Let’s make it a time to appreciate the simple things and treasure the moments that truly matter.