My childhood Christmas’ were simply put, magical. Family gatherings, winter activities, anticipation of gifts, believing in Santa Claus, constant treats being made and coming in, and of course I can’t forget the decorations. All of it together made for a magical season. I didn’t really know then how magical they were until I became an adult and creating the Christmas magic became part of my job. Admittedly, it took some time to get use to. I’m not too keen on Christmas being crazy busy and full of to dos so when it was all on me, I resisted and started begrudging the holidays–the same holidays I loved as a child.

That was not okay with me.

This year I decided to take a different approach summed up with one word–simplify. I cut out things that were not essential and found it left room for all the things we really wanted to do/see/experience. Don’t get me wrong it was/is still busy. I mean, I think that’s just part of this time of year, but the main difference was I embraced it. I knew going in what I was facing and appreciated it for what it was, knowing full well, that soon enough Christmas would be over and life would quickly go back to normal as it always does.

I think that’s what I loved so much about Christmas as a kid–it was that one time during the year where life was anything but normal. It was festive, joyful, bright–it was magical.

**do you find the holidays to be stressful or do you embrace it and enjoy each moment?

xo
amy gretchen