This time of year is full of fun and excitement. Everywhere you look, there are fun holiday events, new Christmas flavored drinks, ugly Christmas sweaters, even hand decorated cookies in the office. It can be magical…and a bit overwhelming.
If I’m honest, I struggle with the overwhelming part a bit too much. And, I find it getting harder and harder as I get older to not cave into to the comparisons around Christmas.
Martha Stewart Worthy Cookies
I love to bake. For some reason, it rarely turns out for me. I run on the concept of “it’s the thought that counts.” ha This time of year, it seems everywhere I go I see perfectly decorated holiday cookies and treats. It’s hard to not to compare my baking and feel like a “failed it” on the baking show “Nailed it or Failed it.”
Oh Christmas Tree
Perhaps the most common thing I see on social media this time of year are Christmas trees overflowing with perfectly arranged ornaments and fireplace mantles with stockings perfectly lined up with beautiful garlands. It’s so beautiful you can almost smell the fresh pine and hear the joy you KNOW this must bring. My kids call this vision “a magazine family” moment. It’s hard to not compare our home with these Hallmark movie scenes.
Viva la Mexico
I didn’t realize until recently how many people travel over the holidays. When I hear about holiday traveling, I always pictured it as going to grandma’s. But, I am learning this is the ideal time for many families to go on vacations. Sigh…vacation. I tried to convince my family to skip gifts this year and use that money for a vacation. It was a resounding no. I even had them watch that movie with Tim Allen called “Christmas with the Kranks” where they decide to skip Christmas and go on a tropical vacation. I can smell the coconuts just thinking about it. It’s hard to not compare our “Silent Night” at home to the excitement of Pina coladas and surfing Santas.
Away in the Manger
I have to admit, sometimes I don’t focus on Christ as much as I should during Christmas. The holidays get so busy with traditions and gifts that my attention tends to drift to the hustle instead of the heart of the season. A time when my heart should be focused on Christ the most and I’m too busy to even recognize it. I used to do it so well when my kids were younger. We even had Birthday parties for Jesus. But, now that they are grown, it feels exhausting sometimes. And yet, I see other families celebrating with such clear faith and intentionality. It’s hard not to feel like I’m falling short and compare with the vibrant faith of others.
Well, now that I’ve written these all down in one place and feel like an utter failure, it’s time to get to the point. ha
Despite all the ways I’ve felt like I’ve fallen short, I’m learning that Christmas isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about showing up, even in the messiness and choosing intentional moments to reflect God’s love in small, REAL ways.
So, lets go back and look at the areas I personally struggle with but through the lens God wants me to view them:
Flour, Fire Alarms, and Family Fun
Even the best bakers have a few duds in the batch that aren’t being showcased. I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. It’s the time spent together baking that matters (even if the fire department is called because there is so much smoke in the air). Hasn’t happened yet but this may be the year! lol
Our Beautifully Janky Christmas
The perfectly curated scenes on social media or Christmas shows might inspire, but they don’t define the value of our celebrations. What matters is the heart behind what we do. The laughter shared, the traditions we create, and the intentional pauses to remember why we celebrate in the first place. Decorating our home for Christmas is one of the easiest opportunities to do this. Less is more. I do love to decorate. Keeping a simple, winter pallet allows us to sprinkle it with all the janky ornaments and trinkets my Little Man and Ladybug has made since Kindergarten. They are far more valuable to me than having the perfect movie scene. It’s the best of both worlds really, it’s beautiful AND sentimental.
Home for the Holidays (and Loving It)
Vacations are great and the memories created can be something to always cherish. However, I’ve come to realize that staying home isn’t a bad thing. In fact, my family prefers it (even though I would love to travel more). Staying home over the holidays allows us to slow down and enjoy our own space. There’s something special about waking up in your own home on Christmas morning, sipping hot cocoa by the tree and savoring the simple moments that can be missed or overlooked in the rush of travel. There’s comfort found in the simplicity of celebrating Christmas right where you are.
The Reason for the Season
As I write this, it feels as if God is quietly reminding me to give myself grace. As a mom, I want nothing more than to see my kids know and love Him. Now that they are teens, I feel my influence shifting and pressure to do more before they are adults. But, maybe this season is an opportunity to appreciate where my family’s faith already is. Maybe I don’t feel like I’m focusing on it enough at Christmas because it’s already woven into our daily lives…all year round. We are a family that attends church regularly and serves on Sunday’s. Maybe the contentment I’m searching for comes from recognizing this while praying for God to do the rest.
Maybe this Christmas isn’t about doing more. But rather about noticing what is already here. It’s about releasing the comparisons and embracing the faith growing quietly in my home. I’m choosing to trust God while I move forward and inviting Him to meet us right where we are.
With Love and Aloha,
Lacy
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I am laughing so hard at the ‘Nailed It or Failed It’ reference! I am firmly in the camp where the cookies taste delicious but look like a complete disaster. I’ve realized that my kids actually remember the laughter from the year the frosting ended up on the ceiling much more than they remember the perfectly piped gingerbread men. It really is the thought (and the sugar) that counts
I love that! And, I’m also relieved to hear it as well. My cookie decorating is NOT anything to brag about! We’ve actually had contests of which cookie is the worst. ha I think I’m the reigning champion. But, in all seriousness, you’re right-it’s the fun and laughter doing it that means the most. Those are where the memories are made. Thanks for reading, Cici!
Your writing has a way of making even the most complex topics accessible and engaging. I’m constantly impressed by your ability to distill complicated concepts into easy-to-understand language.
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