As the festive season approaches, I find myself eagerly embracing a “yes” approach when it comes to holiday activities with my children. Just the other evening, while decorating the house for Christmas, my son suggested we order pizza and decorate the tree together while enjoying our meal. Although we had leftovers waiting for us, I didn’t even think twice before saying yes. After all, what could be better than sharing pizza and holiday tunes with my teens? I refuse to let that opportunity slip away.
I proudly wear the title of a “holiday pushover,” and I have no regrets about it. My children know that during this time of year, my answer is often “yes.” While they might take advantage of this, I embrace it wholeheartedly.
At the grocery store, all holiday treats are an open invitation. Candy canes? Absolutely! Buttery cookies? Count me in! And a steaming hot chocolate with extra whipped cream from the café after school? You got it! We fully indulge in the holiday spirit, participating in all the classic traditions. Each year, we don matching Christmas pajamas, drive around admiring the festive lights, and catch all the holiday movies as soon as they hit theaters—complete with massive buckets of popcorn.
When my kids want to buy gifts for their friends, I happily hand over my wallet. Target’s dollar section offers fantastic options for thoughtful presents. More often than not, they ask to take a day off school right before the holiday break. I let them stay home, and we spend the day in our pajamas by the fireplace, simply enjoying each other’s company.
This isn’t about spoiling my children; it’s about celebrating them and cherishing our time together. The holidays provide me with a unique opportunity to say “yes” more often than “no.” By stepping away from our routine and embracing spontaneity, I can truly savor this season. Without these special treats and moments, I’d likely rush through the holidays, ticking off tasks from my to-do list.
One of the reasons I eagerly anticipated motherhood was to create magical holiday experiences for my kids. As a child, I longed to celebrate earlier and longer, to make the season last. Now, thanks to my children, I get to fulfill those dreams. When they ask to do something festive, my typical response is, “Why not?”
These holiday seasons with my kids are precious, but they won’t last forever. My youngest will be 18 in just five short years, and I can’t predict where life will lead them. I know that one day, I will walk through the grocery store alone and see holiday treats lined up, missing the sight of their eager hands reaching for their favorites. Just thinking about that scenario makes me feel a bit queasy.
So, I choose to pack in as many joyful experiences as possible while they are still under my roof. I welcome late nights filled with candy and movie marathons. I allow them to raid the dollar section to fill stockings for their friends. I’m open to experimenting with all the festive treats and even hosting a Christmas party for their friends, all without complaint. The fridge will be stocked with eggnog, and I’ll wrap up a few extra gifts under the tree.
All these moments serve as reminders that I have this year to celebrate the holidays with my children, and I will never take that for granted. I am committed to making the most of this time, even if it requires extra effort on my part. While my kids may have future Christmases, they won’t be quite the same as these years when we all share a home. That’s more than enough reason for me to indulge and spoil them, and I don’t regret being a little extra during this season.
For more insights on creating memorable experiences, you might find this post on our blog helpful. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to embrace the joys of parenthood during the festive season. If you’re interested in pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent article as well.
Summary
Embracing a “yes” mindset during the holidays allows for joyful experiences with children, creating lasting memories and celebrating the season. This approach fosters togetherness and appreciation for the fleeting moments shared with family.
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