Holidays: Back to basics

digitalplatform.g@gmail.com November 24, 2025Last Updated: November 24, 2025

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My Arizona “CACCCUS for Christmas” I had last year thanks.

My mom and steppad are coming out this year to visit for thanksgiving. This is only the second time (in almost 20 years of living without the condition) that they have gone on vacation! I’m glad to be hosted and beyond getting to be able to celebrate the holiday with family!

That being said, the planet – internally began to argue a little about planning. Before I knew it, I had a mile long menu of every meal I wanted to make. Add to that the fact that Christmas keeps starting early and tomorrow. It felt like our neighbors already had the lights and yard decor up and I was starting to stress myself out about the fact that we never got started.

When I complained to my husband over the weekend about all my stress over me “doing” that most of my stress was intentional. Yes, we will be saying “Hosted” …. But there are only 6 in total. I don’t need to make enough food to feed an army!

And there’s no need to decorate for Christmas this early. That would be a fun activity to start decorating together on the Friday after Thanksgiving. I’ve been at home almost my entire adult life, so it would be a special treat to do some of this together!

And overall, I was just starting on my own. Yes, it feels like the weeks have been flying by – I can’t believe Thanksgiving is almost upon us! But there is no need to rush the holiday. It’s best if we don’t put up the Christmas decorations until November 28-29th (or – Getp! – Wait until December 6-7).

I think sometimes social media creates this unnecessary pressure to be ahead of the curve or to keep up with the shows that are almost next door by doing more or bigger than in previous years. But I don’t want to lose focus on what is most important – family time. I don’t want to spoil that by putting all this pressure on things to be “perfect.” I’m just happy to have time together.