Why keeping it simple creates the magic at Christmas time

When it comes to Christmas, it’s easy for parents to feel the pressure of creating a picture-perfect day. Social media doesn’t help with streams of carefully curated photos, posted for inspiration, but often leaves us feeling deflated about our own efforts. The truth is, the things our children remember most about Christmas rarely cost much at all.

When I think back to my own childhood, my favourite memories aren’t the presents - other than my much-coveted Goosebumps books - I can barely remember what I unwrapped most years. But I do remember vividly the laughter around the table, the cheap novelty gifts my Gran would always buy, the random chairs squished around one dining table, and the reluctant groans as we tackled a family quiz. Those memories had no real monetary value, and yet they’re the ones that have lasted.

I’ll be honest, it’s taken me a few years of hosting my own family Christmases to realise this. I’ve done the mad dashes around packed high streets and the endless online scrolling only to realise my kids were occupying themselves in the build-up to Christmas instead of spending it with me.

This year, I’m doing things differently. Here’s how.

Swap shopping for making

It would be amiss to say children aren’t excited about presents - of course they are! A magical pile under the tree and a stocking full of surprises are part of the fun. But are the endless hours shopping worth it? Not so much.

I’ve learned to stick to a list that covers everything from presents to food and set a time limit. Once that’s done, I swap shopping trips for making things together at home. By Christmas Eve we are stocked up with homemade treats and the paper chains that adorn the ceiling have kept the kids busy for hours. Most of all, we've created a Christmas together that we can all be proud of.

Create magical events at home

Nothing says 'cost of living' like pricing up a trip to visit Santa. Whether you are looking at grotto visits or festival light trails, the cost of festive events is hefty, and the chances that your little ones will be in the mood to enjoy it are a gamble. My favourite alternative, especially after a busy school term, is to set up our own Christmas Reading Café with festive books, hot chocolates and strings of fairy lights to decorate our reading nook.

Revisiting classic Christmas stories like The Night before Christmas or practicing your reading with some new ones can be just as fun - especially if you act as waiter and take their drink and snack orders just like a proper cafe owner! 

It’s relaxed, memorable, and you’ll have ticked off that all-important reading practice without it feeling like another thing to fit in over the holidays. 

Start small traditions that stick

The things my kids look forward to now aren’t the flashy extras; they’re the little rituals. My daughter loves our Christmas Eve box (filled with toys and keepsakes from past years, not a big haul of new things other than something extra choccy), watching Home Alone together, and our Boxing Day walk through the park.

These simple traditions are the ones she is excited about and asks for every year, and they’ve quietly become the heart of our family Christmas. So if you’re wondering what to prioritise, maybe just ask your children. Their answers might surprise you!

Why less is more

It’s easy to be bombarded with ideas of what makes a “perfect Christmas.” But really, the most magical Christmas is the one that feels right for your family.

Choose the things that matter most to you and let go of the rest. The magic we try to purchase from the sparkling displays in shops often already exists -  in the laughter, in the home-grown traditions, and the time spent with the people we love.