We like to just get some hot chocolate in travel mugs and drive around looking at Christmas lights with Christmas music playing. Simple, but some of our favorite memories.
One thing I did when my children were little was to wrap up 24 Christmas books. It was our countdown to Christmas. My daughter chose the book on even days because she was born on an even day and my son chose on the odd days. The book on the 24th was “Twas the Night Before Christmas “ and was wrapped in different paper so we knew to save for that night. It was such a fun way to end every night leading up to Christmas. Merry Christmas, Erin from Massachusetts
I am with you on the commercialism of it all. If you've ever read Little House on the Prairie there is a scene where Mr. Edwards brings Laura and her family some potatoes, candy and an orange. The family is blown away and cherishes them deeply. It's always stuck with me that it wasn't really about the gifts, but more so about the love and thought. My husband and I are toning it down this year too. When we have kids (hopefully soon!) I want to keep gifts at a minimum and experiences as the forefront.
I have found that Christmas is different for us now as a family without my mom. It's taking me years to learn how to truly appreciate just the moments and memories of being together rather than stressing out over the planning of the holidays. I think taking a step back from traveling and enjoying your time together is a great idea. Especially since your kids are so little yet. I always wish I could go back to when the twins were that age, it was a precious time during the holidays. Thank you for sharing the Aura frames - you know I've been waiting for you to bring it back. Enjoy your Thanksgiving with your family! 🥰
Sending you love in your grief this season. I know you always miss your mom, and I'm sure the holidays make that grief even harder. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving as well.
I gave up sending Christmas cards a few years ago and I’ve never regretted it! It was such a source of stress for me. Sure, we now get less Christmas cards from others but with social media we still can keep up with anyone we want to keep up with.
As a homeschooling family we really try to lean into slowing down in December. One of the ways we do that is spending days reading picture books from the library. It sounds boring but there is so much connection in just reading together. ❤ Doing this, we have found some precious Christmas books that we have added to our home library to read every year. The kids always look forward to it.
I love this, Blair. Every year Christmas goes by so fast and I get sad because I haven't had time to watch Christmas movies, go see the lights, bake cookies etc. Upon reflection it's because I've been so busy doing things that are not necessary (like many you named!) We have already decorated for Christmas and are really focusing on soaking in the memories this year. It's the experiences we remember most and it's the biggest gift we can give our children. Enjoy the season 🎄 ♥️
My kids are grown now, but when my firstborn was 3, we decided that we wanted to wake up in our own home on Christmas morning. It is so special for children, and certainly less stressful.
I woke up in my childhood home (where my parents still live!) for 18 years and I CHERISH that. It was so cozy sleeping in my own bed Christmas Eve and waking up to Christmas morning downstairs! 😭🥰
My favorite part of Christmas is the advent study we do each year as a family. After dinner we light candles and do an advent reading, sing a Christmas hymn, and about once a week incorporate a very simple craft. It’s such a good way to ground us as a family and keep the true meaning of Christmas at the forefront of our celebrations. Also!!! We love gingerbread houses too, but this year I bought a mold that makes two gingerbread house cakes that are the perfect size to decorate. This year we are going to bake ginger cakes and decorate and then actually eat the cake!! I’m so excited because usually ours just sit around for a few days and then we toss them. It’s so wasteful! I will have to bake a few batches of cakes to make enough for everyone, but if we enjoy it as much as I hope we do, I can buy another mold next year to cut back on the baking time.
For giving to family members with kids I like doing an experience based gift. Often it’s a membership to something they can use all year like a museum or zoo. I’ve also done day passes to bowling alley/laser tag and thinking of an escape room day or something like that too as the kids get older. I’d rather contribute to memories and give a single gift to the whole family than worry myself over individual gifts for each person! 😊
For the past 2-3 years I have been feeling the ick for the commercialization of Christmas, to the point where I feel bitter. I have tried to put into words to my immediate circle to how I feel and no one got how I was feeling. But this year a few have been feeling the same!! My sister and I are doing a secret Santa gift exchange with our friends and the rule is that it has to be thrifted or homemade!! 50% of the gifts I’m giving this year are thrifted or homemade, and I feel so cozy about that!!!
I was just having a conversation with my friend about this . I want to stop all the buying of presents that nobody needs. Instead I would love to have experiences with family members like going out to a nice dinner with my sister and brother in law etc. This economy almost requires us to slow down and “turn down the noise” as you put it . Well said ! Enjoy the holiday season with your precious family!
I 100% agree with scaling back Christmas. I honestly wish it could be every 1 1/2-2 years. (Obviously this can’t be when it’s based on a birthday. Lol). I want to give you an idea to consider. My three daughters have 4 other close cousins. For a number of years the 7 of them would pull one name each year and make a gift for that cousin. Even the youngest could participate with mom’s help (hand or footprints might come in handy here). I think that was so special and wish it lasted even longer. (We have the youngest of the cousins.) Have a beautiful Thanksgiving and Christmas at home.
Watching now. The past 5-6 years my family has stopped gift giving and just spend time together. We are in a couple different states and we just enjoy being together. My nieces and nephews absolutely love it. My mom gets all kind of games together that have gifts in them or gifts as prizes. The kids talk about it throughout the year. We have rolls of carpet that we lay out in the garage, turn on the heat, and it’s a play zone for the kids. It’s the best ever. We help each other out throughout the year instead of waiting to get something at Christmas.
Ever since I have been married and now a SAHM we have slowed down on spending. Now that we have 3 littles we are prioritizing memories and quality time as well. I love baking and have done so more as each year passes. The memories I have cooking with my moms family or baking are so dear to me. Our families are similar in that my mom is also 1 in 9 and we always celebrated Christmas Eve with them and then Christmas day with my Dads. Every year we have a polar express watch party and we also attend all the local parades, train rides, activities etc. We like having traditions that the kids will remember. Wish you a sweet season as you slow down!
Oh my goodness. You are speaking to my heart right now. Every year for Christmas, I’m thinking of the gifts for all the family and the cards and I’m kinda just burnt out. Plus, yes. It’s gotten to be so expensive. I just want to enjoy my family without all this weight and pressure that I’ve put on myself. ❤
In 2020 we had no family holiday plans on Christmas Day (because of the times) so we started a Christmas Day tradition just me, my husband, and my son. And now we do it every year! We grill breakfast sandwiches and drink Mimosas in the AM and make 3 different dips in the crockpot in the PM and just snack. Sometimes my in-laws come over and sometimes they don’t. I think a digital Christmas Card that could be posted to Social Media would be a great idea! In all honesty, Christmas cards that we get go in the trash, so is it worth the money? IMO, no. But a digital one I’m sure is much cheaper and everyone gets to see it!
Family holiday traditions are some of my sweetest memories. My grandparents would take all the grandkids out for breakfast on Christmas eve morning every year. They started in the early 80s, and in 2022 we brought the breakfast to my grandma's house as she was no longer able to go out. Christmas eve 2023 was our first without her. It was so difficult, but we know she would want us to continue our tradition. They also started our tradition of making a craft every thanksgiving..usually a Christmas decoration. We make Christmas cookies every year, ride around and look at Christmas lights. I love the magic of Christmas, and so much of that was from precious memories with my family, so i totally understand. In your last video, when you were talking about grief..my heart goes out to you. I fully understand the anticipatory grief, as well. Hold those sweet memories of your grandma close, and enjoy this holiday season making new memories with your loved ones. The first Christmas was pretty simple, and it's okay if yours is, too. Big hugs to you ❤
Good for you for knowing your limits and making changes that work for your family! Some things that I do to save my sanity around this time of year are: 1. Pick a Christmas card with a multiple photo option so there isn’t pressure for that perfect family photo. I just pick several from throughout the year. I also don’t splurge on the fanciest design, paper, trim, or envelope. 2. We don’t exchange gifts with friends. We do exchange with parents, siblings, nieces/nephews, but they are very simple gifts (books, kitchen gadgets, bath bombs, etc). 3. I keep a running Amazon list for each of my kids throughout the year and add and delete items based on their interests. I wait to buy until they are on sale.
Hi Blair, last year we skipped on cards and it was a relief to have one thing off the to do list. A few years ago my immediate family members and I started drawing 2 letters at thanksgiving and then we get each person 2 small gifts total one gift that started with each of our letters. We take the hard ones out Q, X etc! It started out as a one year thing but all of us keep wanting to do it again because it’s so fun.
Great ideas! I agree, it gets so commercialized this time of year. We have cut out gifting with extended family for the most part. For the children in our family we gift experiences. Ballet tickets, train rides , movie gift cards. The parents are thankful and glad that we aren’t buying more toys. ❤
The Simple idea of just sharing time with each other is heartwarming and happiness. Enjoy the peacefulness of the season and the ultimate gift of the birth of Christ ❤ Merry Christmas
We have also decided to stay home now we have a child and it's the best decision we ever made. I think it's special to wake up in your own bed at Christmas with things you're familiar with as a child but also have the magic. I really wish I could be better at not buying so many cards, gifts but I find it hard as I enjoy the process too!
This holiday season we decided to do secret Santa and cut down sending holiday cards and buying any new decor and just use what we have. Spend time with family and pets enjoying being alive, healthy and each others time together.
We go and look at Christmas lights, have since the kids were little. They are now in their 20’s and are already talking about what night we’re going. We take hot chocolate and popcorn and are gone for hours.
I love all of this. One thing you might like to know is Minted does postcards. So I order Christmas postcards vs cards. One less step - no stuffing the cards in envelopes!
I have such fond memories of making reindeer mix (cereal & some oats). On Christmas Eve, sprinkle some on the lawn and leave more in a bowl by the front door. On Christmas morning there would be barely any left and a few coloured hoof prints in chalk by the porch. I thought this was just magical when I was little. I would also recommend having a special breakfast tradition on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. My boyfriend’s mum would make pancakes with Christmas sprinkles on top and that really sticks out in his memory. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just something reserved for that day so it feels really special.❤
I send Christmas cards every other year - take some of the pressure off and I actually look forward to it when I do send them. We have a couple of big trips coming up in 2025 so will probably include spending money alongside smaller gifts - my kids are grown so cash is golden😂 We plan on spending lots of family time watching movies, baking and just enjoying being together. I love having the tree and the lights and the decorations (this weekend, can't wait!) and starting my morning with coffee just enjoying it all🎄 Here's to a beautiful, simple , peaceful time for us all!❤
So good! Fight the holiday stress 💪🏻 I believe that what we really want for our kids is to FEEL Christmas memories and that doesn’t come from stuff or things. But… I enjoy the little things (mainly for me) 😊. I have learned what works for me is to spread things out so that they don’t take over and become more stressful. My goal is always to make December as chill as possible. I do Xmas photos in October and order cards in November (and pay extra so that they are already addressed). I also buy Xmas pajamas in November from Old Navy. And then we wear them a lot and they aren’t too pricey. I buy 99% of the gifts in October and November so to spread out expense. December is advent and for putting on a candle and wrapping the gifts, relaxing and not having to go in the stores when they are crazy busy. Just an idea. Once I started doing this I knew I could never go back!
I normally have a huge list of people to buy for and as a single mom that just isn't going to happen this year. I am having the little kids come to my house for a movie and cookies then taking the older kids in the family to see the lights at the zoo. My best friend and I have decided to take our kids to an event instead of gifts. This year I REALLY want to focus on quality time with people over presents. I bought my 11 year old son annual passes to a local amusement park so we can enjoy that all next summer. I love that I am not alone in pushing for more time gifts with family. Makes it feel like less pressure when you hear others are doing it too.
Our favourite newer tradition that fills the gift giving spot but is also scaled down is we let the one child in our family unit buy everyone their gift. This is typically done at a dollar store or Walmart and it ends up being the funniest thing to see what kids think adults need and what they think of you. It’s so funny and end up being precious items but also much more cost effective than large gifts for everyone.
I wish so much that we could have this approach and that I had thought about it when my kids were little. Both sides of my family are out of state so the pressure to travel is intense. Many years we have traveled for both holidays. We always at least travel for one, including this year. It is a lot! I hope to slow down more as my kids have their own families… and hopefully stay local 😉
I am so with you on this 🥰 when our daughter was little we went all out (I think even more so because she is an only child) but as she has gotten older (she is 14) we have made it all very simple ☺️ One of my big changes is not doing a big traditional meal on Christmas Day. We have something nice to eat but it’s all easy food. I have spent too many Christmas Day’s in a hot kitchen trying not to miss gifts being opened etc when our daughter was little 🥵 it was hectic. I will do a toast dinner on Boxing Day which is always much calmer and I will enjoy making it. It will be a simple roast too. I find we just don’t need loads and loads of food either. We have plenty of lovely food but just less of it 😃 I have also cut down on the number of cards I am sending as it has become very expensive. It’s definitely not easy so I totally relate🥰 it all sounds like an amazing plan Blair and I know you will have a magical Christmas regardless 😃🎄🎄 our tree and decs go up this weekend 🥳🤣🤣 xxxxx ps loved the baby pics 😃 xxxxxx
It makes all the sense in the world to slow down, cut a few costs and just enjoy the season a bit more. I bake a few things and give it away to family and friends. My husband and I of 39 years stopped doing gifts years ago. We usually go out on lunch a few days before Christmas and just enjoy the decorations and time together. 🎉❤🎄⛪️🎅🏼
My one daughter-in-law gives her parents and my husband and I a calendar with the kids pictures in each month. The months where the kids birthday fall focus on that kid. Great gift! I display that calendar for the year and then I have saved them. I now have a library of calendars with my beautiful grandchildren. ❤
We are not making any changes this year, but when my daughter was the age of your kids (mine is now 14), we went through a very similar downsizing. We stayed home on Christmas Day (prior to, we had been at my parents home, 3 hours away), we cut out gifts on my husbands side (we still buy for the kids - 4 total - and his parents), etc. And I’ve never been sad that we made the changes! I am dabbling with the card idea this year - we have always sent one, but like you it’s a stress I put on myself. I’ve downsized my list some over the years but this year we may not do one at all.
Can you believe stamps are now 72 or 73cents?!? I was in shock when I went to buy some. Great video, I wish everybody simplified and made Christmas more meaningful.
This is something I struggle with every year, and every year I give in to my Christmas self 😅 But you are completely right that no one we know needs extra stuff.
So smart of you to slow down and just enjoy! It’s such a busy season for you business wise, I don’t know how you did it all in past years. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season!
Your content really hit home for me this year. I got divorced and my daughter is getting married so the holidays are changing.its only my son and I at home.... I'm also in the midst of trying to sell my home. My decor is packed away. I am thinking I might do cards but not sure. I like your idea of cutting back on them. It does get pricy. We still are doing a few traditions. Thanks for sharing! It was perfect timing.
We’re skipping holiday cards and matching family pajamas this year. Saving the money and effort for something that will make memories the kids will love and remember.
I loved this video! I think God is stirring the hearts of his children, inviting us to rest and celebrate Him in ways that bring life, flourishing. Thank you for reminding us how all the treasured memories are the ones spent with those we love. I used to be a DO everything, cram it all in, make it magical oh and don't forget Jesus is the reason. This year we are simplifying as well, stretching things out over the whole holiday season versus just right at Christmas. We have been in a season of re-evaluating what we have capacity for, what's the most meaningful. Asking the Lord, what do you want this holiday season to look like?
I totally understand about Christmas cards! We decided to do one every three years because it got to be too much pressure and money to do it every year.
It probably doesn’t fall into the realm of slowing down or saving money, but the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine has some fun, family centered Christmas activities if you are looking for a nearby day outing! I’ve taken my daughter for a couple of years now and she has absolutely loved it! They even include a sculpture of the nativity in their ICE! display. It’s beautiful! We’ve certainly made memories that will last a lifetime! ❤🎄
We have considered doing ICE! for the past two years and haven't, but we've been talking about going this year. The last time I went was with Nora when she was only 6 weeks old, along with my sister and her newborn. It was so much fun but we didn't get to do the ICE! exhibit (or, chose not to) because of the babies. I think our kids would really enjoy it. Thanks for sharing!
Slowing down too this year! Planning to go to some events like Zoo Lights and a drive thru Xmas lights venue. Our dog loves coming to see the Christmas lights. We love staying at home with apple cider and watching movies
Last year we made "happy birthday, Jesus" signs and decor to hang up with our toddler. She loved decorating the house and having a birthday party for Jesus' birthday! Also, we tie giving gifts to each other (which we don't do a ton of gifts) to the fact that Jesus is the ultimate gift, and just like God gave us His Son and the wise men brought gifts, we too can celebrate by giving gifts to one another. Again, we don't give many gifts, we do mostly combined gifts for our two girls, but the gifts we do give, the cookies we pass out, we can point it back to Jesus being the ultimate gift.
You could always make little small stockings or gift baskets for the kids. And your mom at Christmas Eve days after you were born?! We shouldn't have expected anything less!!!
I miss Christmas like it used to be. My family used to all get together and now that my grandparents are gone none of them do. My dad had a video camera and would video everything so we have those memories to look back on. But I agree it’s like picture overload sometimes and they never get developed.
Awww, I relate so much to missing Christmases of years past. I cried the other day thinking about how I'll never get to celebrate any holidays with all of my family members on this side of heaven again. Sending you a hug.
I bought Aura frames last year for my sons and their families. They loved them so much they bought some for the daughter-in-law's parent! Best Idea! Thanks again Blair for the suggestion. ❤
We gave up physical Christmas cards. Every year I send out Paperless Post cards. You can send a ton for under $20. It gets sent right to the person's email. And then they can choose to print it out if they want to keep it.
Taking the grandkids for a night, no parents. Lol . Watch Christmas movies iwith them. Make pizzas and cookies. And a small easy but cute Christmas craft. One smaller gift each.
I love this idea! Keeps Jesus and God at the forefront of Christmas by spending time with family and going to church and the rest should take a back seat. Btw, where did you get that top?! It’s gorgeous!
On my side of the family we have done an experience like going to Disneyland together. So we are paying for our own families but we get to spend this wonderful time together.
My two brothers, their wives and my husband and I aren't exchanging gifts this year... instead we're going to be having a game night. Every other time we get together we play a game called Scrawl or Cards Against Humanity- and we ALWAYS have so much fun... so we decided that's what we were going to do instead of exchanging gifts.
I am 1000% in the camp of not wanting to exchange gifts. I would much rather just get together, enjoy a meal, catch up, maybe play a game or watch a movie.
If you have a Walgreens near you they always have amazing card sales and I find I can get nice quality cardstock cards for a 1/4 of the price of the Shutterfly kind of places
Buy your babies matching pjs. I promise in 20 years when you look at the pictures you won’t be sad you did. We love Christmas and gift giving is our love language so as long as we can financially do it, we go big. It’s one day of the year to spoil our kids a little and I never feel one ounce of guilt. We all know the reason for Christmas and we celebrate the birth of Jesus. But I work hard and I know I’m going to blink and this will end. They will grow up and be out of the house. Buy the big toys, watch the wonder. ❤
I think we’re saying the same thing in different ways ❤ My kids already have 8+ pairs of matching Christmas PJs, so they don’t need more. They’ll get toys that make them squeal, but not a dozen each. Etc, etc. Just turning down the noise to create the memories with them that count instead of feeling the pressure to do everything. 🥰
Since it is about Jesus we are doing ,even as an older couple , we will be celebrating Him. We will start on Dec 1st. Reading a chapter a day of the book of Luke there are 24 chapters in Luke so the 24 days before Christmas . Maybe that would be nice for you and Riley.A small tree and ornaments which you can find bible versus about Jesus or the Prophets and each night you read story and hang the ornament. Buy plain ornaments find the versus you want to use all about Jesus is coming Jesus is here . This is a sweet activity for children but it starts getting them in the mindset of what Christmas is about. Of course gifts especially for the younger ones like Nora and Collyn but slowly it brings to focus what we should be celebrating.
I was just having a conversation with my friend about this . I want to stop all the buying of presents that nobody needs. Instead I would love to have experiences with family members like going out to a nice dinner with my sister and brother in law etc. This economy almost requires us to slow down and “turn down the noise” as you put it . Well said ! Enjoy the holiday season with your precious family!
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We like to just get some hot chocolate in travel mugs and drive around looking at Christmas lights with Christmas music playing. Simple, but some of our favorite memories.
One thing I did when my children were little was to wrap up 24 Christmas books. It was our countdown to Christmas. My daughter chose the book on even days because she was born on an even day and my son chose on the odd days. The book on the 24th was “Twas the Night Before Christmas “ and was wrapped in different paper so we knew to save for that night. It was such a fun way to end every night leading up to Christmas. Merry Christmas, Erin from Massachusetts
I am with you on the commercialism of it all. If you've ever read Little House on the Prairie there is a scene where Mr. Edwards brings Laura and her family some potatoes, candy and an orange. The family is blown away and cherishes them deeply. It's always stuck with me that it wasn't really about the gifts, but more so about the love and thought. My husband and I are toning it down this year too. When we have kids (hopefully soon!) I want to keep gifts at a minimum and experiences as the forefront.
I have found that Christmas is different for us now as a family without my mom. It's taking me years to learn how to truly appreciate just the moments and memories of being together rather than stressing out over the planning of the holidays. I think taking a step back from traveling and enjoying your time together is a great idea. Especially since your kids are so little yet. I always wish I could go back to when the twins were that age, it was a precious time during the holidays. Thank you for sharing the Aura frames - you know I've been waiting for you to bring it back. Enjoy your Thanksgiving with your family! 🥰
Sending you love in your grief this season. I know you always miss your mom, and I'm sure the holidays make that grief even harder. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving as well.
@@BlairLamb❤❤
I gave up sending Christmas cards a few years ago and I’ve never regretted it! It was such a source of stress for me. Sure, we now get less Christmas cards from others but with social media we still can keep up with anyone we want to keep up with.
Completely agree. It stresses me out so much. 😅
As a homeschooling family we really try to lean into slowing down in December. One of the ways we do that is spending days reading picture books from the library. It sounds boring but there is so much connection in just reading together. ❤ Doing this, we have found some precious Christmas books that we have added to our home library to read every year. The kids always look forward to it.
I really love this idea and want to try it. Both my kids are bookworms! ❤ Thanks for sharing!
I love this, Blair. Every year Christmas goes by so fast and I get sad because I haven't had time to watch Christmas movies, go see the lights, bake cookies etc. Upon reflection it's because I've been so busy doing things that are not necessary (like many you named!) We have already decorated for Christmas and are really focusing on soaking in the memories this year. It's the experiences we remember most and it's the biggest gift we can give our children. Enjoy the season 🎄 ♥️
It’s an ENORMOUS gift to your children to make holiday memories in their own home. Learned this the hard way.
This was really encouraging to me, thank you for sharing.
My kids are grown now, but when my firstborn was 3, we decided that we wanted to wake up in our own home on Christmas morning. It is so special for children, and certainly less stressful.
I woke up in my childhood home (where my parents still live!) for 18 years and I CHERISH that. It was so cozy sleeping in my own bed Christmas Eve and waking up to Christmas morning downstairs! 😭🥰
My favorite part of Christmas is the advent study we do each year as a family. After dinner we light candles and do an advent reading, sing a Christmas hymn, and about once a week incorporate a very simple craft. It’s such a good way to ground us as a family and keep the true meaning of Christmas at the forefront of our celebrations. Also!!! We love gingerbread houses too, but this year I bought a mold that makes two gingerbread house cakes that are the perfect size to decorate. This year we are going to bake ginger cakes and decorate and then actually eat the cake!! I’m so excited because usually ours just sit around for a few days and then we toss them. It’s so wasteful! I will have to bake a few batches of cakes to make enough for everyone, but if we enjoy it as much as I hope we do, I can buy another mold next year to cut back on the baking time.
For giving to family members with kids I like doing an experience based gift. Often it’s a membership to something they can use all year like a museum or zoo. I’ve also done day passes to bowling alley/laser tag and thinking of an escape room day or something like that too as the kids get older. I’d rather contribute to memories and give a single gift to the whole family than worry myself over individual gifts for each person! 😊
I love this way of thinking. What a great gift!
For the past 2-3 years I have been feeling the ick for the commercialization of Christmas, to the point where I feel bitter. I have tried to put into words to my immediate circle to how I feel and no one got how I was feeling. But this year a few have been feeling the same!! My sister and I are doing a secret Santa gift exchange with our friends and the rule is that it has to be thrifted or homemade!! 50% of the gifts I’m giving this year are thrifted or homemade, and I feel so cozy about that!!!
Obsessed with the thrifted or handmade idea!
I was just having a conversation with my friend about this . I want to stop all the buying of presents that nobody needs. Instead I would love to have experiences with family members like going out to a nice dinner with my sister and brother in law etc. This economy almost requires us to slow down and “turn down the noise” as you put it . Well said ! Enjoy the holiday season with your precious family!
Always a big fan of experiences over stuff. ❤ love this.
Blair, you hit home with this vlog! I LOVE watching alllll your videos! You are so real and have legit great common sense ! 🙂
I 100% agree with scaling back Christmas. I honestly wish it could be every 1 1/2-2 years. (Obviously this can’t be when it’s based on a birthday. Lol). I want to give you an idea to consider. My three daughters have 4 other close cousins. For a number of years the 7 of them would pull one name each year and make a gift for that cousin. Even the youngest could participate with mom’s help (hand or footprints might come in handy here). I think that was so special and wish it lasted even longer. (We have the youngest of the cousins.) Have a beautiful Thanksgiving and Christmas at home.
Love this. Thank you for sharing. ❤
We are trying this, this year 😊
Watching now. The past 5-6 years my family has stopped gift giving and just spend time together. We are in a couple different states and we just enjoy being together. My nieces and nephews absolutely love it. My mom gets all kind of games together that have gifts in them or gifts as prizes. The kids talk about it throughout the year. We have rolls of carpet that we lay out in the garage, turn on the heat, and it’s a play zone for the kids. It’s the best ever. We help each other out throughout the year instead of waiting to get something at Christmas.
Ever since I have been married and now a SAHM we have slowed down on spending. Now that we have 3 littles we are prioritizing memories and quality time as well. I love baking and have done so more as each year passes. The memories I have cooking with my moms family or baking are so dear to me. Our families are similar in that my mom is also 1 in 9 and we always celebrated Christmas Eve with them and then Christmas day with my Dads. Every year we have a polar express watch party and we also attend all the local parades, train rides, activities etc. We like having traditions that the kids will remember. Wish you a sweet season as you slow down!
Oh my goodness. You are speaking to my heart right now. Every year for Christmas, I’m thinking of the gifts for all the family and the cards and I’m kinda just burnt out. Plus, yes. It’s gotten to be so expensive. I just want to enjoy my family without all this weight and pressure that I’ve put on myself. ❤
In 2020 we had no family holiday plans on Christmas Day (because of the times) so we started a Christmas Day tradition just me, my husband, and my son. And now we do it every year! We grill breakfast sandwiches and drink Mimosas in the AM and make 3 different dips in the crockpot in the PM and just snack. Sometimes my in-laws come over and sometimes they don’t.
I think a digital Christmas Card that could be posted to Social Media would be a great idea! In all honesty, Christmas cards that we get go in the trash, so is it worth the money? IMO, no. But a digital one I’m sure is much cheaper and everyone gets to see it!
I love your tradition! That is so sweet. I was thinking about a digital one, that's a really great idea. And probably about 0.00001% of the price lol
Family holiday traditions are some of my sweetest memories. My grandparents would take all the grandkids out for breakfast on Christmas eve morning every year. They started in the early 80s, and in 2022 we brought the breakfast to my grandma's house as she was no longer able to go out. Christmas eve 2023 was our first without her. It was so difficult, but we know she would want us to continue our tradition. They also started our tradition of making a craft every thanksgiving..usually a Christmas decoration. We make Christmas cookies every year, ride around and look at Christmas lights. I love the magic of Christmas, and so much of that was from precious memories with my family, so i totally understand. In your last video, when you were talking about grief..my heart goes out to you. I fully understand the anticipatory grief, as well. Hold those sweet memories of your grandma close, and enjoy this holiday season making new memories with your loved ones. The first Christmas was pretty simple, and it's okay if yours is, too. Big hugs to you ❤
Good for you for knowing your limits and making changes that work for your family! Some things that I do to save my sanity around this time of year are:
1. Pick a Christmas card with a multiple photo option so there isn’t pressure for that perfect family photo. I just pick several from throughout the year. I also don’t splurge on the fanciest design, paper, trim, or envelope.
2. We don’t exchange gifts with friends. We do exchange with parents, siblings, nieces/nephews, but they are very simple gifts (books, kitchen gadgets, bath bombs, etc).
3. I keep a running Amazon list for each of my kids throughout the year and add and delete items based on their interests. I wait to buy until they are on sale.
Super great ideas. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Blair, last year we skipped on cards and it was a relief to have one thing off the to do list. A few years ago my immediate family members and I started drawing 2 letters at thanksgiving and then we get each person 2 small gifts total one gift that started with each of our letters. We take the hard ones out Q, X etc! It started out as a one year thing but all of us keep wanting to do it again because it’s so fun.
That sounds like so much fun! And a cute way to make gifts feel creative and special.
Great ideas! I agree, it gets so commercialized this time of year. We have cut out gifting with extended family for the most part. For the children in our family we gift experiences. Ballet tickets, train rides , movie gift cards. The parents are thankful and glad that we aren’t buying more toys. ❤
The Simple idea of just sharing time with each other is heartwarming and happiness. Enjoy the peacefulness of the season and the ultimate gift of the birth of Christ ❤ Merry Christmas
We have also decided to stay home now we have a child and it's the best decision we ever made. I think it's special to wake up in your own bed at Christmas with things you're familiar with as a child but also have the magic. I really wish I could be better at not buying so many cards, gifts but I find it hard as I enjoy the process too!
This holiday season we decided to do secret Santa and cut down sending holiday cards and buying any new decor and just use what we have. Spend time with family and pets enjoying being alive, healthy and each others time together.
We go and look at Christmas lights, have since the kids were little. They are now in their 20’s and are already talking about what night we’re going. We take hot chocolate and popcorn and are gone for hours.
I love all of this. One thing you might like to know is Minted does postcards. So I order Christmas postcards vs cards. One less step - no stuffing the cards in envelopes!
I have such fond memories of making reindeer mix (cereal & some oats). On Christmas Eve, sprinkle some on the lawn and leave more in a bowl by the front door. On Christmas morning there would be barely any left and a few coloured hoof prints in chalk by the porch. I thought this was just magical when I was little.
I would also recommend having a special breakfast tradition on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. My boyfriend’s mum would make pancakes with Christmas sprinkles on top and that really sticks out in his memory. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just something reserved for that day so it feels really special.❤
I send Christmas cards every other year - take some of the pressure off and I actually look forward to it when I do send them. We have a couple of big trips coming up in 2025 so will probably include spending money alongside smaller gifts - my kids are grown so cash is golden😂 We plan on spending lots of family time watching movies, baking and just enjoying being together. I love having the tree and the lights and the decorations (this weekend, can't wait!) and starting my morning with coffee just enjoying it all🎄 Here's to a beautiful, simple , peaceful time for us all!❤
So good! Fight the holiday stress 💪🏻 I believe that what we really want for our kids is to FEEL Christmas memories and that doesn’t come from stuff or things. But… I enjoy the little things (mainly for me) 😊. I have learned what works for me is to spread things out so that they don’t take over and become more stressful. My goal is always to make December as chill as possible. I do Xmas photos in October and order cards in November (and pay extra so that they are already addressed). I also buy Xmas pajamas in November from Old Navy. And then we wear them a lot and they aren’t too pricey. I buy 99% of the gifts in October and November so to spread out expense. December is advent and for putting on a candle and wrapping the gifts, relaxing and not having to go in the stores when they are crazy busy. Just an idea. Once I started doing this I knew I could never go back!
I normally have a huge list of people to buy for and as a single mom that just isn't going to happen this year. I am having the little kids come to my house for a movie and cookies then taking the older kids in the family to see the lights at the zoo. My best friend and I have decided to take our kids to an event instead of gifts. This year I REALLY want to focus on quality time with people over presents. I bought my 11 year old son annual passes to a local amusement park so we can enjoy that all next summer. I love that I am not alone in pushing for more time gifts with family. Makes it feel like less pressure when you hear others are doing it too.
Our favourite newer tradition that fills the gift giving spot but is also scaled down is we let the one child in our family unit buy everyone their gift. This is typically done at a dollar store or Walmart and it ends up being the funniest thing to see what kids think adults need and what they think of you. It’s so funny and end up being precious items but also much more cost effective than large gifts for everyone.
I wish so much that we could have this approach and that I had thought about it when my kids were little. Both sides of my family are out of state so the pressure to travel is intense. Many years we have traveled for both holidays. We always at least travel for one, including this year. It is a lot! I hope to slow down more as my kids have their own families… and hopefully stay local 😉
I’m still traveling this year, but my family and I are cutting back on gifts. I totally get what you’re saying!! Happy Holidays!
I am so with you on this 🥰 when our daughter was little we went all out (I think even more so because she is an only child) but as she has gotten older (she is 14) we have made it all very simple ☺️ One of my big changes is not doing a big traditional meal on Christmas Day. We have something nice to eat but it’s all easy food. I have spent too many Christmas Day’s in a hot kitchen trying not to miss gifts being opened etc when our daughter was little 🥵 it was hectic. I will do a toast dinner on Boxing Day which is always much calmer and I will enjoy making it. It will be a simple roast too. I find we just don’t need loads and loads of food either. We have plenty of lovely food but just less of it 😃 I have also cut down on the number of cards I am sending as it has become very expensive. It’s definitely not easy so I totally relate🥰 it all sounds like an amazing plan Blair and I know you will have a magical Christmas regardless 😃🎄🎄 our tree and decs go up this weekend 🥳🤣🤣 xxxxx ps loved the baby pics 😃 xxxxxx
It makes all the sense in the world to slow down, cut a few costs and just enjoy the season a bit more. I bake a few things and give it away to family and friends. My husband and I of 39 years stopped doing gifts years ago. We usually go out on lunch a few days before Christmas and just enjoy the decorations and time together. 🎉❤🎄⛪️🎅🏼
My one daughter-in-law gives her parents and my husband and I a calendar with the kids pictures in each month. The months where the kids birthday fall focus on that kid. Great gift! I display that calendar for the year and then I have saved them. I now have a library of calendars with my beautiful grandchildren. ❤
We are not making any changes this year, but when my daughter was the age of your kids (mine is now 14), we went through a very similar downsizing. We stayed home on Christmas Day (prior to, we had been at my parents home, 3 hours away), we cut out gifts on my husbands side (we still buy for the kids - 4 total - and his parents), etc. And I’ve never been sad that we made the changes! I am dabbling with the card idea this year - we have always sent one, but like you it’s a stress I put on myself. I’ve downsized my list some over the years but this year we may not do one at all.
I have been watching your channel for a long time. I don't know how I missed the fact that you have a brother!
You’re not the only one. He was estranged from our family for 3-4 years but has recently come back around. We’re really grateful. ❤
This was such a blessing and wonderful reminder to me. Thank you!
Can you believe stamps are now 72 or 73cents?!? I was in shock when I went to buy some. Great video, I wish everybody simplified and made Christmas more meaningful.
This is something I struggle with every year, and every year I give in to my Christmas self 😅 But you are completely right that no one we know needs extra stuff.
It's hard!! I'm trying to remind myself that I never look back and think about the stuff, only the people.
So smart of you to slow down and just enjoy! It’s such a busy season for you business wise, I don’t know how you did it all in past years. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season!
Your content really hit home for me this year. I got divorced and my daughter is getting married so the holidays are changing.its only my son and I at home.... I'm also in the midst of trying to sell my home. My decor is packed away. I am thinking I might do cards but not sure. I like your idea of cutting back on them. It does get pricy. We still are doing a few traditions. Thanks for sharing! It was perfect timing.
I appreciate the joy of simplicity and looking forward to a simple yet special Christmas this year.
We’re skipping holiday cards and matching family pajamas this year. Saving the money and effort for something that will make memories the kids will love and remember.
I loved this video! I think God is stirring the hearts of his children, inviting us to rest and celebrate Him in ways that bring life, flourishing. Thank you for reminding us how all the treasured memories are the ones spent with those we love. I used to be a DO everything, cram it all in, make it magical oh and don't forget Jesus is the reason. This year we are simplifying as well, stretching things out over the whole holiday season versus just right at Christmas. We have been in a season of re-evaluating what we have capacity for, what's the most meaningful. Asking the Lord, what do you want this holiday season to look like?
I totally understand about Christmas cards! We decided to do one every three years because it got to be too much pressure and money to do it every year.
It probably doesn’t fall into the realm of slowing down or saving money, but the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine has some fun, family centered Christmas activities if you are looking for a nearby day outing! I’ve taken my daughter for a couple of years now and she has absolutely loved it! They even include a sculpture of the nativity in their ICE! display. It’s beautiful! We’ve certainly made memories that will last a lifetime! ❤🎄
We have considered doing ICE! for the past two years and haven't, but we've been talking about going this year. The last time I went was with Nora when she was only 6 weeks old, along with my sister and her newborn. It was so much fun but we didn't get to do the ICE! exhibit (or, chose not to) because of the babies. I think our kids would really enjoy it. Thanks for sharing!
@ 🤍
Slowing down too this year! Planning to go to some events like Zoo Lights and a drive thru Xmas lights venue. Our dog loves coming to see the Christmas lights.
We love staying at home with apple cider and watching movies
Last year we made "happy birthday, Jesus" signs and decor to hang up with our toddler. She loved decorating the house and having a birthday party for Jesus' birthday! Also, we tie giving gifts to each other (which we don't do a ton of gifts) to the fact that Jesus is the ultimate gift, and just like God gave us His Son and the wise men brought gifts, we too can celebrate by giving gifts to one another. Again, we don't give many gifts, we do mostly combined gifts for our two girls, but the gifts we do give, the cookies we pass out, we can point it back to Jesus being the ultimate gift.
What a mindful approach!
You could always make little small stockings or gift baskets for the kids. And your mom at Christmas Eve days after you were born?! We shouldn't have expected anything less!!!
And I was a c-section! She and I are not made the same ☠️
Loved this video! Yes family time with food and laughter is the best gift!
I miss Christmas like it used to be. My family used to all get together and now that my grandparents are gone none of them do. My dad had a video camera and would video everything so we have those memories to look back on. But I agree it’s like picture overload sometimes and they never get developed.
Awww, I relate so much to missing Christmases of years past. I cried the other day thinking about how I'll never get to celebrate any holidays with all of my family members on this side of heaven again. Sending you a hug.
I bought Aura frames last year for my sons and their families. They loved them so much they bought some for the daughter-in-law's parent! Best Idea! Thanks again Blair for the suggestion. ❤
We gave up physical Christmas cards. Every year I send out Paperless Post cards. You can send a ton for under $20. It gets sent right to the person's email. And then they can choose to print it out if they want to keep it.
Our family drives around in pjs and look at christmas lights. Our kids look forward to it every year!
We love driving around and looking at Christmas lights with cups of hot chocolate
Taking the grandkids for a night, no parents. Lol . Watch Christmas movies iwith them. Make pizzas and cookies. And a small easy but cute Christmas craft. One smaller gift each.
I love this idea! Keeps Jesus and God at the forefront of Christmas by spending time with family and going to church and the rest should take a back seat.
Btw, where did you get that top?! It’s gorgeous!
On my side of the family we have done an experience like going to Disneyland together. So we are paying for our own families but we get to spend this wonderful time together.
This is such a refreshing video to see. Thank you!❤
My two brothers, their wives and my husband and I aren't exchanging gifts this year... instead we're going to be having a game night. Every other time we get together we play a game called Scrawl or Cards Against Humanity- and we ALWAYS have so much fun... so we decided that's what we were going to do instead of exchanging gifts.
How fun. Love it.
I am 1000% in the camp of not wanting to exchange gifts. I would much rather just get together, enjoy a meal, catch up, maybe play a game or watch a movie.
This!!!
Taking a couple of nights to just drive around looking at Christmas lights.
If you have a Walgreens near you they always have amazing card sales and I find I can get nice quality cardstock cards for a 1/4 of the price of the Shutterfly kind of places
Your going to love the quite Christmas.❤
I’m going to try and give hand made gifts or experiences this year. I think we are all tired of “stuff”
Buy your babies matching pjs. I promise in 20 years when you look at the pictures you won’t be sad you did. We love Christmas and gift giving is our love language so as long as we can financially do it, we go big. It’s one day of the year to spoil our kids a little and I never feel one ounce of guilt. We all know the reason for Christmas and we celebrate the birth of Jesus. But I work hard and I know I’m going to blink and this will end. They will grow up and be out of the house. Buy the big toys, watch the wonder. ❤
I think we’re saying the same thing in different ways ❤ My kids already have 8+ pairs of matching Christmas PJs, so they don’t need more. They’ll get toys that make them squeal, but not a dozen each. Etc, etc. Just turning down the noise to create the memories with them that count instead of feeling the pressure to do everything. 🥰
Since it is about Jesus we are doing ,even as an older couple , we will be celebrating Him. We will start on Dec 1st. Reading a chapter a day of the book of Luke there are 24 chapters in Luke so the 24 days before Christmas . Maybe that would be nice for you and Riley.A small tree and ornaments which you can find bible versus about Jesus or the Prophets and each night you read story and hang the ornament. Buy plain ornaments find the versus you want to use all about Jesus is coming Jesus is here . This is a sweet activity for children but it starts getting them in the mindset of what Christmas is about. Of course gifts especially for the younger ones like Nora and Collyn but slowly it brings to focus what we should be celebrating.
We stopped gift for the adults in our families and instead donate the money we’d spend to our favourite charities. Win win for everyone
Postage stamps are up to 73 cents each!!
holy cow 😳😳😳
Stamps are now $0.73 each!!!!
this is WILD
Hunks of plastic toys is so real 😅
So. Real. 😅
I hate to break to to you... stamps are no longer close to 50 cents. Haha. :)
not sure how I missed this. another reason to skip the cards !!!!!!
I was just having a conversation with my friend about this . I want to stop all the buying of presents that nobody needs. Instead I would love to have experiences with family members like going out to a nice dinner with my sister and brother in law etc. This economy almost requires us to slow down and “turn down the noise” as you put it . Well said ! Enjoy the holiday season with your precious family!
Absolutely. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. ❤