From the Editor

Ashley's Top Picks

FAMILY TRADITION

These Santas are my favorite part of decorating for Christmas. Drew's grandmother, Birdie, hand-painted a Santa figurine for each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren every year since 1995. This was a project she worked on all year long -- after all, she had 10 children, 24 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Birdie passed away in August, leaving behind a legacy and closely knit family, of which I am honored to be a small part. With more than 30 Santas in our collection, these are a few of our favorites. Drew received the Santa in the convertible the year he turned 16 and the other two are the first Santas that Avery and Reed received while Drew and I were dating. Each year we place these Santas around the house we are reminded of the tradition we share as a family of 80+ Weddings. 2023 will welcome three new babies, growing our family and further passing on the tradition.

PRESERVING MEMORIES

I can't take credit for this idea. I remember seeing this on Facebook and immediately ordering three shatterproof ornaments to hold the memories of my sweet babies' being born. I included their hat from the hospital, arm band and the name tag from the bassinet. I love looking at these each year at Christmas, rather than them sitting in storage.

OLD AND NEW

I think by now you know -- my kids love a good craft. At Christmas, they are especially in a crafty mood. Over the years, they have recreated some of the ornaments I made as a child. We love grouping these together on our tree -- a little mix of old and new!

from the editor

Parents, especially moms, can feel a lot of pressure during the holidays. The most wonderful time of the year can quickly become the most stressful.

Why? Because we are the memory makers. We create the magic of the season.

Santa's elves don't compare to the dedication—and craftiness—of a mom.

During Christmas, a mom will plan an elaborate day of baking cookies for Santa. She might even create themed treats for the family, turning cookies into snowmen or pretzels into reindeer.

She will map out the perfect route to see Christmas lights and make hot chocolate and the aforementioned treats for the occasion. She will also be sure to pack the family's winter wear for the grand finale—the Lashbrook house in Stonegate. Can't miss that photo op! But she won't be in the photo—just the kids in their cute hats and mittens!

Speaking of cute photos, matching PJ's will make Christmas morning picture perfect. Don't worry, Mom will have these ordered way in advance in everyone's correct sizes.

Speaking of matching clothes, mom will have thought about Christmas cards well in advance and purchased the perfect coordinating outfits, booked a photographer, designed the cards, updated the mailing list, bought the stamps and mailed them out in plenty of time to arrive before December 25th.

You get my point.

Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to make it perfect? Here are three things I plan to tell myself this year as the pressure of perfection starts to set in. 1. It’s OK to say no. Whether it’s to family members, friends, or your kids, it’s OK to prioritize yourself and your sanity first sometimes. 2. Stop comparing yourself to other moms. You may not achieve the Pinterest-perfect holiday. What you can manage is enough for your family. After all, they would rather have a happy mom at Christmas than one that is stressed and stretched too thin. 3. They will remember the magic. When your kids are grown, they won't remember that perfect gift or that well-planned meal. They will remember the magic they felt, which centers around being together as a family.