Keeping the holiday magic alive
The other day the boys were talking about how they only have a few more years left of getting excited about Christmas. This made me sad…and start to think. The youngest was remembering Christmases in the past where he’d be so excited he’d run out to the tree to see what Santa brought. Being a bit older, the Santa stories start to fade and the gift giving loses a bit of luster.
While the holidays can be a wonderful time of love and gathering, they can also be difficult for many who are far from loved ones or those that get caught in the hustle and bustle.
For us, all we’ve ever wanted was to create a stable home and that’s particularly challenging this year with construction happening.
But as we moved furniture around, decluttered and donated, I was reminded that it doesn’t take much to create a little holiday spirit. Sharing some ideas and things we’re looking forward to this season in hopes to bring you a little light.
Add a few decorative items around your home, like in the kitchen or family room. Small trees bring a sense of the forest for a wintry cabin feel.
Make the effort of getting a real tree if that’s your thing and do it early, unapologetically. It goes faster and faster with each passing year.
Be kind to yourself and take the moments to slow down. Grab a seasonal coffee one day, watch the Christmas movies, buy yourself something indulgent that you’ll enjoy for many seasons (like cashmere socks or sweatpants).
Bring out the fuzzy blankets - one of my fave things this time of year.
Make note of seasonal, local events. We love the shows at the SF Symphony where they play to the soundtrack of a movie.
Focus on one thoughtful gift for each person on your list rather than trying to cram in a bunch of shopping or items that don’t have meaning. This year we made beautiful wedding albums for our parents.
Create a new tradition or follow through with old ones. FaceTime with far away friends - even if just a virtual cheers. And one of my favorites last year was taking Polaroids during an intimate NYE at home with friends. It will be fun to look back over the memories each year or turn them into a memento.
