For some reason this year, I’ve noticed a lot of posts, comments, and articles telling moms that we “shouldn’t feel pressured to do Holiday things.” People are praising this mindset. They say it’s relatable. And honestly? I get it. I have six kids, ranging from a curious 7-year-old to a tiny 6-month-old, and yes, Holiday activities can feel overwhelming. Some of them are more work than fun. Some of them I even dread—yet my kids beg to do them.
But here’s where I draw the line: to act like Holiday traditions aren’t important? That they aren’t worth the effort? That we’ve grown too complacent to let our kids experience a little creativity and joy? I call complete bull crap on that.
Think about it: “We didn’t make it to the pumpkin patch this year. We’ll skip the whole pumpkin thing even though my kids really want to carve some!” Sister, just grab a pumpkin at the grocery store. A pumpkin is a pumpkin.
“I really hate carving pumpkins, so my kids can’t do it!” Why not paint them instead? Let them draw faces with markers. Let them dive into the gooey mess—this literally only happens once a year.
“It’s dark outside in unfamiliar neighborhoods, so no trick-or-treating this year.” WHAT? There are malls, trunk-or-treat events, and even local retirement homes handing out candy safely. Be creative. Make it happen.
“Thanksgiving crafts? Psh! Nobody has time!” Hobby Lobby has a million peel-and-stick options that require zero glue. Or, better yet, trace everyone’s hands to make turkeys. Watch how wildly creative kids can get with a little guidance.
“My child will throw a fit if I make them sit with Santa!” Then don’t force it—just let them wave from afar. Introduce it gently. Make it fun, not stressful.
“My grandma’s Jell-O recipe freaks me out! I can’t make it as good as her!” Guess what? Give it a shot anyway, year after year. Laugh with your kids while you try. Eventually, you’ll nail it. Remember: your parents weren’t perfect at first either.
“Making Christmas cookies from scratch? Are you crazy? I don’t want flour everywhere for two months!” Then buy the pre-made ones. Let your kids place them on the cookie sheet and bake. A cookie is a cookie—but the memory is priceless.
“There’s no way I’m letting my kids stay up for the ball drop on New Year’s!” Who cares? YouTube last year’s ball drop, pretend it’s live, grab pots and pans, and let your kids bang away at 8 p.m. They’ll feel the excitement and never know the difference.
These traditions may seem small, mundane, or inconvenient to you. You may feel too busy or exhausted. But to your kids? These moments matter far more than you realize. Childhood is built on memories, on shared experiences, on family time. How will traditions continue if we don’t carry them forward?
You don’t need Pinterest-level perfection. You don’t need fancy decorations or organic ingredients. You don’t need to make extravagant recipes or compete with other parents. All you need to do is show up, try, and make an effort. Even picking just a few traditions to uphold each year is enough.
I remember my parents taking us to the tree farm the day after Thanksgiving, decorating our Christmas tree together, making cookies and frosting from scratch, and sipping sparkling grape juice with my cousins. I remember spending all day during Thanksgiving and Christmas with both sides of my family. I remember the effort they put in, even when it wasn’t glamorous or effortless, just so we could have fun.
Holidays don’t have to be daunting or overwhelming. They can be simple, yet magical. Carving pumpkins once a year may be messy, but my kids adore it—and one day, I’ll miss that chaotic table and the laughter it held. I’ll miss the smell of cookies baked with love and the excited shrieks as confetti popped on New Year’s Eve. They’re only young once, and it’s so true.
Continuing family traditions is more than just fun—it’s honoring the generations before us. Our parents and grandparents made memories with us, imperfect as they were. Why wouldn’t we pass that on? Why would we choose convenience over creating lasting memories?
When did it become “uncool” to try? When did we forget that creativity, effort, and family togetherness are what childhood is all about? Don’t skip the traditions. Don’t opt out because it’s messy or inconvenient. Your kids may not remember every detail, but they will remember the joy, the laughter, and the time spent with you.
Keep the family traditions alive. They are worth it.
