The Case for a ‘Just Us’ Holiday

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If you were to ask my kids how they envision Christmas morning, their answer would likely be, “Stay in our pajamas all day and play with our new toys.” It really is that simple. For the last few years, we’ve embraced this idea wholeheartedly, and we’ve had absolutely no regrets.

It wasn’t always this way, though. Before we had kids, we’d spend every Christmas in Maine with our extended family. It was a cherished tradition that took us away from our hectic city life, and we could always count on a picturesque white Christmas (Maine basically starts snowing in October). Our relatives went all out with decorations and were incredibly generous, making it a delightful time.

However, when our first child was born a decade ago, our beloved Christmas trips quickly shifted from joyous family gatherings to chaotic nightmares. Our little one was a car screamer, which turned a simple four-hour drive into an exhausting eight-hour ordeal filled with stops to calm him down.

Once we finally arrived—wonderful as our family was—it was still overwhelming. New environments with a baby are tough; his sleep schedule was a disaster, and he had a knack for grabbing everything in sight at their beautifully decorated but completely un-babyproofed home. I swear he spent that Christmas breakfast munching on pinecones and tinsel.

We thought things would improve the following year, but that was wishful thinking. We continued making the trip year after year until it became clear that traveling with kids during the holidays just wasn’t as magical as it seemed. I (let’s be real, my husband has never packed for anything) found myself spending more days packing and unpacking than actually enjoying our destination. The travel woes persisted; while the car screeching subsided, crankiness remained, and then we welcomed another child into the mix, starting the cycle all over again.

As our kiddos grew, they began expressing a desire to celebrate holiday traditions in the comfort of our own home. Honestly, who could blame them? Most kids love the coziness of familiar surroundings, especially during the holidays. Don’t they just want to lounge around on Christmas morning, playing with the toys they’ve eagerly anticipated for months?

So a few years ago, we decided to ditch our Christmas tradition and stay home. Let me tell you, that wasn’t an easy decision. The holidays often come with a lot of emotional baggage. There’s guilt, pressure, and not everyone understands your reasoning. Some relatives might even be eager to debate your choices.

Breaking a tradition, especially around the holidays, is no walk in the park. But as time passed and we gained wisdom, it became easier to establish those boundaries. Sure, I miss the special moments with extended family, and I cherish my children’s bonds with their aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. However, the magic of spending the holidays at home with just my immediate family has become our new normal. Honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

A “just us” holiday means late nights filled with popcorn and classic films like A Charlie Brown Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street until the kids drift off in your arms. Then, you quietly carry them to bed and collapse beside them, snuggling until morning. It means waking up together on Christmas morning, indulging in leftover cookies for breakfast, and enjoying the freedom of having nowhere to be—no expectations and no one judging whether you’re wearing pants.

It means baking in your pajamas without worrying about messing up someone else’s kitchen. Forget dealing with 15 different personalities and their holiday preferences. You get to savor every moment of your time off without the hassle of packing or traveling, soaking up every lazy second with your family.

Less stress is the name of the game. Why should holidays be synonymous with chaos? Sure, it might mean breaking some traditions and possibly disappointing a few people, but it also opens the door to starting your own cherished traditions—ones that you and your children will carry with you for a lifetime.

If you ever feel overwhelmed by family obligations during the holiday season, and if staying home with just your immediate family sounds perfect, then go for it. Cut the cord, say goodbye, and do what feels right for your family. I promise it’ll be just as magical as you imagined.

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Summary:

Embracing a “just us” holiday means prioritizing family time in the comfort of your own home, free from the stress of traveling and fulfilling others’ expectations. It allows families to create their own special traditions, making memories that will last a lifetime.