Rediscovering Simple Joys
“The ability to simplify means eliminating the unnecessary so the necessary may speak”
— Hans Hoffman
Can I be honest? The holidays used to overwhelm me. Every year, I’d stress about making everything perfect—the decorations, the gifts, the food, the memories. It felt like this unspoken competition to outdo myself from the year before. But one day, as I watched my daughter Chloe write down her wish list, something struck me.
“Do you really need all of this?” I asked. She paused, looked up at me, and said, “Well, it’s Christmas, right? Isn’t that what it’s for?”
Her answer stopped me in my tracks. I realized that I had been sending her that exact message—without even meaning to. In trying to make the holidays magical, I’d been focusing on all the wrong things.
I think we underestimate how much kids take in during the holidays. They’re watching us rush, stress, and try to do it all. And while they might not say it, they feel that energy.
Not to mention they’re already surrounded by messages that equate happiness with excess: bigger gifts, fancier decorations, and longer wish lists. And while there’s nothing wrong with celebrating or giving generously, I’ve realized that there’s another, equally valuable lesson to teach during the holidays—the joy of simplicity.
When we slow down and focus on the simple things—acts of kindness, quiet moments, heartfelt gestures—we teach them a valuable lesson: joy doesn’t come from how much we do or how much we have. It comes from connection.
This year, I’m really challenging myself—and my family—to just rejoice in simplicity. That means shifting our focus from extravagant plans to meaningful, simple moments. For us this means, no travel, no big parties, and no extravagant gifts.
5 (Quick) Q-Tips on How You Can Flip the Script in Your Family
Giving doesn’t have to mean expensive gifts or elaborate acts of kindness. It can be as simple as baking cookies for a neighbor or making a handmade gift. The goal is to show kids that generosity isn’t measured by how much you spend but by the love and effort you put into it.
Example: Encourage your kids to create gifts with their own hands—drawings, cards, or crafts. For example, Chloe made ornaments for her grandparents last year, and seeing her excitement reminded me how meaningful simple gestures can be.
Simple Celebrations
The best memories aren’t about perfectly coordinated table settings or the latest holiday trends. They’re about being together. This year, instead of stressing over hosting the perfect dinner or buying the trendiest holiday gifts, focus more on connection.
Example: Instead of focusing on physical gifts, encourage your kids to make kindness coupons for friends and family. These could include offers like “free hug,” “help with chores,” or “a game night together.” Not only is this a fun activity, but it also helps kids focus on thoughtful ways to make others happy.
Simple Preparations
The holidays don’t have to be a marathon of shopping, wrapping, and planning. Instead, we’re involving our kids in simple, meaningful tasks like making handmade decorations (this year we decorated with paper links that Chloe enjoyed making with scraps of left over wrapping paper) or wrapping gifts together. These moments not only lighten the load but also create lasting memories.
Example: Instead of just buying or doing things because “it’s what we always do,” explain the meaning behind them. Whether it’s decorating a tree or giving gifts, helping kids connect with the “why” makes the experience more meaningful.
I think a lot about what I’m teaching Chloe during these times.
In a world that’s becoming more complicated and materialistic, I want her to understand that happiness doesn’t come from “more.” What I’m noticing is that giving doesn’t feel like a chore to her. It feels exciting! And it reminds me that kids don’t need us to teach them how to be kind—they’re naturally compassionate. They just need us to give them the space to act on it.
And here’s the thing: if we don’t ground our kids now, when will we? Teaching them to rejoice in simplicity is such an important lesson—not just for the holidays but for life. They need to know that small acts of kindness can make a big difference, that love and connection matter more than shiny new toys, and that their worth isn’t tied to what they own.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the holiday hustle, I hope this encourages you to slow down and find joy in the little things. Celebrate simply. Give from the heart. And show your kids that happiness doesn’t have to come in a big, shiny package.
P.S. I’ve also created a freebie with fun activities that you can do with your kids this holidays. Get your freebie here….
