Holidaying Your Way

The holiday season is upon us, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to conform to traditions that don’t work for your family, it’s time to rethink the approach! Creating a holiday season that centers around your child’s needs and your family’s values can transform this time of year into something truly meaningful. Here are ideas and encouragement to help you make this season special in your own way.

Embracing What Works for Your Family

Let’s start by letting go of the “shoulds.” The holiday season doesn’t need to look like the images in magazines or movies. What matters most is that it works for your family and brings joy into your lives.

Releasing the expectations of how holidays “should” look can be incredibly freeing. Letting go of societal norms or the need for perfection opens the door to creating something that truly serves your family. Whether you opt for quiet days at home, scaled-down festivities, or brand-new traditions, the focus should be on joy, connection, and love. By reimagining your holidays, you’re crafting memories that are authentic and meaningful—entirely your own.

Key Tips for Redefining the Holidays

Reflect on What Matters – Think about what the holidays mean to you. Is it a time for connection, small joys, or rest? Let these intentions guide your planning.
Focus on Joy Over Tradition – If a tradition feels stressful, consider skipping or adapting it. Prioritize what genuinely brings your family happiness.
Make Adaptability Your Priority – Flexibility can empower you. Be open to spontaneous changes based on how your family is feeling.

Letting Go of Perfection

We’ve all seen those picture-perfect holiday scenes—beautifully decorated homes, gourmet meals, and extravagant plans. But chasing perfection often leaves us exhausted and disconnected from what truly matters. Giving up the need for a “perfect” holiday allows us to focus on authenticity and connection.

It’s okay if your cookies aren’t Pinterest-worthy or if your plans don’t unfold as imagined. What your family will remember are the laughter, love, and shared moments. Some of the best holiday memories come from imperfections—like the year our Christmas tree toppled over shortly after we decorated it. In the moment, it felt chaotic, but it became a funny, cherished memory that perfectly symbolized our family: a little bent but still standing and doing our best to shine our light!

Navigating Outside Expectations

Navigating holiday expectations from extended family or friends can be challenging. Here are some tips for keeping the season focused on your family’s needs:

Communicate Early – Share your plans ahead of time. Politely explain that you’re prioritizing what’s best for your family.
Set Boundaries – If large gatherings aren’t ideal, suggest alternative ways to connect. It’s okay to leave events early or take breaks as needed.
Remind Yourself Your Holiday Is Enough – A joyful, manageable holiday tailored to your family’s needs is meaningful, even if it looks different from tradition.

Creating New Family Traditions

Sometimes, crafting new traditions is the key to a joyful holiday. These don’t need to be elaborate—just meaningful and suited to your family’s needs. Here are some ideas:

Holiday Movie Marathon & Cozy Pajama Day
Bake Together – Choose a simple recipe and enjoy the process, even if it gets messy.
Morning Festivities – If mornings are your child’s best time, make brunch your holiday meal instead of dinner
Holiday Lights Tour – Enjoy the decorations from the comfort of your car.
Nature Walks – A peaceful outing with hot cocoa can create lasting memories.
Countdown to Joy – Create a custom advent calendar with simple daily activities your family enjoys.
One-on-One Time – Spend special moments with each family member.

Encouragement for the Season

By creating your own holiday rituals, you’re giving your family something to look forward to every year—something uniquely yours. These celebrations don’t rely on perfection but on being present with the people you love most. The magic of the holidays lies in how they feel, not how they look.

This holiday season, let’s give ourselves permission to adapt, enjoy, and celebrate the beautiful, imperfect reality of our families. The greatest gift we can give is creating a season full of joy, peace, and connection.

Wishing you and your family a joyful and meaningful holiday season. Merry Christmas, Rare Mamas! Much love to you and yours.

For more holiday tips, check out this blog post on “Ten Holiday How-Tos for the Rare Mama”