Instagram-able holiday? Nah.
Making holiday magic like an inside joke for our family.
I used to create holiday magic that looked Instagram-ready with polished meals and decorations arranged to impress. Over time, I noticed all that effort left me feeling more drained than delighted. So a few years ago, I began to simplify and put my well-being at the center. That’s when I discovered a quieter, more meaningful magic.
I know I’m not alone. Many moms take on the invisible load of trying to make the holidays every bit as magical for their families. It’s easy to fall into the pattern of planning, decorating, shopping, and topping what we did last year, all in hopes of creating perfect memories. Yet, so often, the more we do, the more we feel overwhelmed or fall into comparing ourselves with others.
Years of working as a KonMari consultant and with the Dooley Method clients have shown me how common it is for families to feel weighed down by holiday stress in both mental and physical clutter. I’ve seen clients let go of piles of gifts and decorations they didn’t like or use, and I’ve listened to parents worry about incoming toys on top of what already feels unmanageable. These conversations nudged me to rethink our own traditions and focus on what feels right for us.
Now, my family’s holiday reflects our real joys and what brings us peaceful minds:
Serving food we genuinely love and enjoy making. (Sushi is a favorite!)
Simple, often homemade, decorations. (Dried lemon slices as ornaments, candle-lit rooms, and putting the kids in charge of making centerpieces for the table.)
Displaying notes of what we’re thankful for. (Makes me smile every time I pass by them.)
Reusing the same gift bags for each child. (5 years and counting!)
Choosing a family experience. (Escape rooms are always a big hit.)
Creating new family traditions. (We make a layered ice cream cake together, where each person chooses to include a fun ingredient.)
The new magic in our home isn’t about how things look, but how everyone feels—more relaxed, more present, and more connected.
I’m curious: What small changes have helped you or your family find more ease or joy during the holidays? Let’s share ideas and support each other in creating the kind of magic that matters most.