JENNIFER REDMOND
As a mom of five, I have what might be a surprising confession: we don’t do photos with Santa. Early on when there were only a few kids, part of me thought we should make it happen. But then the logistics always got in the way: the tickets, the busyness, the lines, the outfits. And so, the years slipped by without us ever doing it, and now, here we are. Thankfully, I’ve gained some perspective on holiday traditions, and that is, we can decide as a family which ones we want. Letting some expectations go has been a game-changer for me, and it’s one of my favorite tips in our “12 Days to a Calm Christmas”. That phrase may sound impossible to you, but I believe these suggestions will make a difference. Several are from my own experiences over the last few years, so let my trial and error be to your benefit! I hope they will help quiet the chaos in your life, so you can focus on what matters.
Becky’s fabulous soup recipes in our Seasonal Spoonfuls article also promise to solve a common holiday pain point — what to do with that mountain of leftovers?! We’ve all had that moment, standing in front of a refrigerator, staring down day five of turkey or ham sandwiches … again. Turn it into soup! We also included tips on how to freeze it, so when the January doldrums arrive, you have a comforting and easy dinner ready to go.
I have a suggestion for you: go to our Orange Aglow article, make yourself a lovely simmer pot to infuse your home with the scent of orange and spice, brew something warm, then curl up to enjoy the beautiful images of our holiday home. Julie’s ability to weave so many natural elements into gorgeous Christmas vignettes is sure to inspire.
One tradition we do keep is matching pajamas!
And while we may not do Santa photos, we always pick out a live Christmas tree together, and this tradition is one I hope we never forego. Ginny’s list of regional tree farms in O, Christmas Tree Farms has given us some new places to consider!
Finally, the promise of a new year is just around the corner, and we’ve started asking our family, “What’s something new you want to try in 2026?” Perhaps that might be something like gardening for you, and if so, What type of gardener are you? will give you an excellent starting point.
However you spend the remaining months of this year, my hope is that memories are made with those you love and cherish most. Thank you for bringing us along on the journey. See you in the new year!
Jennifer Redmond | jennifer@jamesrivermedia.com
