I wanted this episode to be a part two to the last episode because I took my own advice and did some of the things that I recommended there and wanted to share with you what that looks like for our family and just how truly simple creating holiday magic can be.

Around the holidays we are bombarded with demands on our schedules – your own holiday work parties, invitations from friends and family, and then your kids’ Christmas class parties and concerts. All of this on top of shopping for gifts, planning menus, cleaning your home, attending church, and trying to squeeze in as many family traditions as possible. A time that should be filled with joy quickly becomes overwhelming.

However, now that I’m a mother, the mere idea of orchestrating a Christmas Eve dinner for 30 people, refereeing board games between siblings, and trying to put cranky but excited children to bed at midnight only to be woken up at 5:00am to open gifts that “Santa” had left leaves me stressed out and exhausted.

It’s hard to truly and fully step away from work. And yet, stepping away from work to spend time on the things that truly matter to us is vital. I want each and every one of you to lead lives filled with joy and that’s hard to do when you’re working 24/7.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, only to find ourselves overwhelmed and exhausted by Christmas day. So, today I wanted to share a few secrets to enjoying a simpler holiday this year.