Hello friends, first and foremost happy new year to you. I hope you and yours have the best and most blessed 2025. With love, from me and my boys🎉
It’s hard to believe the new year is here and Christmas is already behind us! I’ve always loved Christmas, and for the past few years, our traditions have included Mass on Christmas Eve with my husband’s family, opening presents with everyone early in the morning, attending our family church, and enjoying a big Christmas dinner.
This year, however, we decided to switch things up with a cozy, intimate day with just me and the boys, our little family ❤️. It was quieter, but it allowed us to really focus on what matters – God’s gift to us, Jesus and family. Reflecting on the Christmas season now, it’s wild that 2024 is behind us, I’m already back at work since the 2nd January, the crèche is open for the boys, and just like that, time to set new goals for the year.
Savouring the Last Bit of Christmas sparkle in Our Small Town
I’m still holding onto the last bit of Christmas sparkle left in the air because I feel like everyone is so much happier around the Christmas season. While “All I want for Christmas” and Michael Bublé bangers won’t be played for another twelve months, in our small town, the lights and decorations are still up, the nativity scene remains set up as you drive in and we even had some snow. (Heavy snow at that)
A Simple but Meaningful Christmas
Living in the Irish countryside has taught us to appreciate the beauty of slow living, and Christmas felt like the perfect time to embrace that mindset. From the warm fire to singing carols, every detail contributed to a joyful but calm atmosphere.
Top Highlight (⚠️get ready to melt)
One of the highlights from the day was watching our children’s faces light up with joy and wonder on Christmas morning. The excitement of opening presents was almost too much to contain. In the middle of it all, the sweetest thing happened. My youngest son, noticing that he and his brother were the only ones unwrapping gifts, looked up and said, “Daddy, here, open your present,” handing over a gift that wasn’t even his. It caught us off guard and melted his dad’s heart to the point of nearly shedding a tear. It’s moments like these that make the season what it is, a time for sharing and caring.
New Traditions and Old Favourites
Christmas is a time for traditions, and this year, the new tradition we have set was a hit and will definitely be repeated every few years.
Of course, we held onto old favourites as well. Regardless of where we spend Christmas, the foundation for our home is faith. No matter where we spend Christmas or who with, we make time for God. While we happily wear our festive jumpers, leave cookies for santa and carrots for Rudolph, we know the real reason for Christmas, and what better way to celebrate Christ’ birth than gathering at church to hear the nativity story retold and singing songs to celebrate the reason for the season.
Our plan to do our own Christmas sounded great until we realized we had to cook the Christmas dinner ourselves! (Cue a bit of panic) My father-in-law makes the BEST prawn cocktail, so I tried my best at copying it – unsuccessfully. Thankfully, he saved some for us when we visited on the 26th, and it reminded me why he’s the master.
Despite that minor mishap, we managed to pull off a fantastic meal. My husband tackled the potatoes and veg, while I took charge of the turkey and ham. For our first solo Christmas dinner, we nailed it – if I do say so myself!
Lessons in Gratitude
I’m so grateful for the support of our church community, nursery, and neighbours, whose kindness throughout the year has meant so much. From friendly visits and gift exchanges to phone calls with friends far away, this season felt like a true celebration of love and togetherness.
Concluding that, here are Five goals I have briefly put down for the new year, I’m sure I will go into more detail and possibly expand this list to ten in another blog. But for now, read on!
Parenting Goals for 2025
- Building Stronger Family Connections
- Having more family bonding activities, like regular game and movie nights and outdoor adventures down the country.
- Focusing on Emotional Well-Being
- Creating a space where the kids feel safe expressing their emotions and overall thriving and happy.
- Practicing gratitude exercises and prayer.
- Healthy Habits for the Whole Family
- Plan healthier meal options and involve the kids in cooking.
- Going out for walks and bike rides.
- Supporting Individual Passions
- Help each child explore their interests by signing them up for classes or clubs.
- Celebrate their achievements, no matter how big or small.
I’d love to hear how your family celebrated in 2024. Did you start any new traditions? Or hold onto old ones? Any goals set for 2025 for yourself or as a family?
Share your stories in the comments, and let’s keep the spirit of Christmas alive a little longer❤️.
Wishing you and yours a warm and wonderful start to the new year.
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