Making the Season Count: Rediscovering Holiday Magic

Trying to juggle everything as a parent can feel like a lot, especially once the holidays roll around. Between the shopping lists and family gatherings, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. But I’ve been reminding myself to slow down this year. To focus less on the things that can wait and more on my family, the laughter, and the little moments we’re creating together. Because this season goes by fast, and I don’t want to miss it.

Being a new mom with two under two makes the holidays feel brand new again. It’s such a special time to create memories with my little family, some inspired by the traditions I grew up with, and others that are just our own.

My kids are 8 months and 22 months right now, and my almost two-year-old’s excitement sets the tone for all of us. She finds joy in the simplest things, and it’s such a sweet reminder to slow down and notice the beauty in those little moments. My son is still too young to understand it all, but since it’s his first holiday season, I’m just so excited to experience it with him.

Putting the Christmas tree up together will always be my favorite tradition and it means the absolute most to me. I still remember how my grandmother made the holidays feel magical simply by including everyone in decorating.

And watching holiday movies as a family is another must. There’s something about cozying up together and sharing those stories that really captures what this time of year is all about.

Traditions like those help me make the most of the season. I try to remind myself that the holiday season is short but incredibly impactful. That thought alone helps me slow down and truly savor each moment.

Keeping things simple helps me manage each day and minimizes the stress. I’m a big fan of “one-stop shops” like Gerber, where I can grab all of our everyday essentials like bodysuits and socks while also finding adorable holiday outfits for pictures and family dinners. Gerber truly makes things easier, and one less task on my list is always a win, and fewer errands mean more time for what matters.

My go-to “holiday survival tip” is to coordinate outfits. It makes getting everyone dressed so much easier! We pick a color or theme and stick with it. With two little ones, matching outfits are key, and once the kids are set, Mom and Dad just coordinate around their look.

Even with the best plans, things will inevitably come up. When the errands or energy become too much for one of my kids, I remind myself that they are still learning to regulate their emotions, so tantrums are completely normal. Those moments don’t have to ruin the day. I try to see those moments as part of the “beautiful chaos” that comes with raising little humans.

Before having kids, the holidays weren't a big deal as an adult. Since becoming a mom, I now have something to look forward to. I get to relive moments I never thought I'd get back.

My prayer is that my kids always remember how special the holidays are, and that they see them as a time to make meaningful memories, whether it’s through matching outfits, baking cookies, or playing the same silly game every year. However we celebrate, I just want us to make the season count.

If I could give one piece of advice to any parent trying to enjoy the holidays, it would be this: let go of perfect and prioritize finding joy. Things will get messy and some plans might fall apart, but there’s always a moment worth soaking in. Find those little sparks of joy and hold onto them.