Rethinking the Holidays: My Journey from Exhaustion to Connection

The holidays are here again—cue the whirlwind of shopping lists, perfectly coordinated wrapping paper (I confess bought this one 😂), and endless late-night sessions trying to create magic for everyone. For years, as a mother of three (now 7, 5, and 2), I’ve stretched myself to the breaking point, juggling school concerts, cookie exchanges, and the mounting pressure to make the season memorable and perfect (all the while working a full time job).

But this year, I’m doing something different.

Instead of focusing on consumption and the quest for the “perfect” gifts for friends and family, I’ve decided to rethink what the holidays really mean. Thanks to my kids discussing all the gifts they’re going to receive for the holidays and an overflowing closet of forgotten toys AND a mama who is totally fried…

It hit me: we spend more time focused on the perfect gifts over thinking of ways to deeply connect with our kids.

This year has been a challenge for me, as a CEO mama, designer and mama to 3 - I have been hit with one thing after the other health-wise  and personally realizing that all the work without play and connection - is literally hurting me.

So I’ve spent a lot of time this year consciously thinking about what I need and what my family needs…and all decision trees have led to more time in connection with each other. 

So this year, we’re shifting our focus (and cash-money) to shared experiences—and it’s already making the holidays feel exciting, more joyful, and far less stressful.

Experiences Over Excess

The first step in our holiday reset was embracing the idea of small, thoughtful handmade gifts for friends and family and prioritizing experiences. 

Together with my kids, we brainstormed local experiences/activities they’d be excited about doing / receiving, and the list came together beautifully:

1. Music lessons with a local instructor
2. Ballet classes
3. Horseback riding lessons
4. Art classes with a beloved local artist
5. Rock climbing sessions
6. Face-painting at the Thursday Farmers Market 
7. Family kickball tournament 
8. Family Movie and popcorn 
9. Roller skating at the local rink
10. A camping trip (might even happen in our backyard!)

even the act of making the list together felt like a fun family activity! 🥰

Sharing the news…

Then came what felt like the hard part - sharing these experiences with friends and family who usually send gifts. In the email I suggested that instead of sending another doll or toy truck, they could gift a certificate for an art class or tickets to a family-friendly event. I’m 100% sure that NOT everyone is on board…and that’s ok. 

It’s a shift that feels more meaningful for us and we will navigate these new waters together as a family.

The biggest surprise was my kids were really into the experiences! And not to worry, there will be 1 or 2 toys this year waiting for them as well…but nothing that takes hours to wrap and nothing that is too overwhelming…

Reimagining Family Holiday Gatherings

Even my sister and her husband are on board with this new approach. Instead of buying six-plus gifts for each family, we’re planning a special outing: meeting for hot chocolate at a cozy local café and then taking the kids rock climbing during the holiday school break. Sure, it takes more planning, and yes, there will probably be meltdowns along the way, but I’m excited about the stories we’ll create and the memories we’ll share. These are the moments that will live in our hearts far longer than any plastic toy ever could.
Mama Tip: I’m bringing my Polaroid camera so each kid can have a physical memento to keep  from the experience.

Less Stuff, More Connection

In planning this new holiday philosophy, I’ve realized how much my kids have been craving the same things I have been missing: less chaos, more togetherness. By focusing on experiences, we’re clearing physical clutter and also making room for the kind of connection that truly matters.

This year, instead of spending hours organizing a mountain of toys that will be forgotten by February, I’ll be snapping photos of us laughing, climbing, skating, and creating together.

I’m choosing connection over consumption, and I can already feel the magic returning to our home. My kids will not remember every present, but I know they’ll remember the times we made pancakes in pajamas, built forts with fairy lights, and skated until our legs were soar. That’s the kind of holiday magic I want to pass down—and I can’t wait to see it unfold.

Here’s to a season of less stress, more joy, and making memories that truly matter.