For us, the holidays between Christmas and New Year’s Day are all about savoring the moment. We’ve developed a few traditions over the years with our two little ones, and it all starts on the morning of December 25. We unwrap our Christmas stockings, just the four of us. After a family Christmas Eve dinner, this quiet time is all the more appreciated. It’s a lovely little moment, sitting on the floor, surrounded by stuffed animals and pillows, with coffee (and glasses of milk) in hand.
In the days that follow, we have a tradition of giving the kids a coloring book. It takes up space in the living room, but the hours of fun it guarantees every time—for just about twenty dollars—are well worth it. We stock up on markers, put on some background music, and get started! Usually, by the end of the two-week break, it simply finds its way into the recycling bin—until next year.
Throughout all of this, we usually set aside one day just to stay home, all four of us in our pajamas. We cook, snuggle up to a Christmas movie, dance in the living room, do some crafts, and keep coloring the famous little cardboard house—but most importantly, we spend quality time away from the hectic pace of our usual routine. Hot chocolate for the kids and Baileys coffee for Mom and Dad!
During this break, of course, we get to explore the new toys we received as gifts. The kids have huge grins on their faces, while Mom’s brain is in “Analysis” mode, trying to figure out how to fit everything into the playroom.
Somewhere in the midst of these days, we take a few walks outside and play in the snow for a while, just so we can return to the comfort and warmth of our home with rosy cheeks and heads full of new memories.
But above all, through it all, we take the time to gaze into the stars in our children’s eyes. We take the time to snuggle up and relax. We take the time to appreciate what we have. We take the time to realize just how grateful we are for life. We simply enjoy the present moment.
We spend the year rushing around, and we spend the holidays rushing from one family gathering to another and from one dinner to the next; so why not take this opportunity to simply give ourselves a little time?