The holidays can feel like a whirlwind of expectations, especially when you're a parent. We want everything to be magical and perfect—the kind of memories our kids will cherish forever. But over the years, I’ve learned that the most special moments often come from the unplanned and imperfect.
When my girls were little, the holiday season felt so stressful. As a yoga instructor and longtime meditator, I did my best to stay present and enjoy the moment. But my anxious brain couldn’t help but worry: Did I get enough presents? Are they enjoying this experience so much that they’ll look back on it with a tear in their eye? I imagined them saying to one another, “Remember when Mom would bake cookies with us?”
Now that my girls are older, I’ve realized the holidays aren’t about the magic you meticulously plan. They’re about those unexpected moments that make you laugh, bond, and reflect. Let me share a couple of examples.
One year, we were all set to go out and look at Christmas lights when—of course—our car broke down. What was supposed to be a cheerful outing turned into a chaotic shuffle of phone calls and laughter about how “classic” this situation felt. Another year, we were so busy we didn’t even get around to decorating the tree right away. For weeks, the only ornament on it was a ripped pair of tights that kind of looked like a bow.
Kind of festive, right? Every time I walked by, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
These are the moments we look back on now and laugh about. They’re the stories we retell at family gatherings. They stand out not because they were perfect but because they were real—perfectly imperfect, as I like to say.
So this holiday season, instead of striving for perfection, keep an eye out for those magical, unexpected moments. The ones where you’re all laughing uncontrollably, or something goes hilariously wrong. Those are the moments your teenager will remember.
What’s your favorite imperfect holiday memory? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories. And as always, I’m grateful to be on this parenting journey with you. May your holiday season be magically imperfect.
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