Many years ago – 14 looks like – I shared this article from Simply Charlotte Mason.  I had a new baby that winter.  We had some livestock. Most of our kids lived at home.  Those words affirmed my experience as a then new mother of nine.  Less is more, at least when it comes to traditions and activities.  A few well chosen standby's, repeated annually, get planted deeply in a child's memory bank. 

There are even more ideas available today than there were so many years ago.  If I was overflowing with options then I can only imagine it must be like drinking from a fire hose for young mothers today.  I stand by my 2006 assertion: 

"Read one Christmas chapter book as a family.   One, not twenty, unless you were so inclined. For us that is The 24 Days of Christmas by Madeleine L'Engle.  We will be reading it AFTER Christmas since it has taken me that long to remember the title and track it down but that's ok. It meant so much to me when I first read it that it is worth the wait.

Rest.  So as not to get that 'shade of anxiety' I am guessing. Plus passing out in the mashed potatoes is inappropriate. ; )

Watch over habits.  This has been on my heart as we have been relaxing school since Tess was born. It is easy to relax about a whole lot of things that need attention though. We will work on maintaining the routine  and the good habits even if we do break from academics. 

That's it!  No clever ideas for napkin folding or dessert. Just read and rest.  I am remembering why I love Charlotte Mason."

Busy moms, choose one of whatever it is.  Choose one delightful cookie recipe to make together.  Choose one wonderful Christmas album (thank you Spotify) and sing the songs together.  My grandmother had two as I recall, Bing Crosby and Perry Como, and we turned them on each December.  Choose one craft.  Ours this year are the paper lunch bag stars going around the internet. 

Choose one.  

And next year remind yourself to do the same.