This time of year can bring so many emotions, joy, stress, grief, excitement, and deep exhaustion. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to make this season meaningful for the kids in your home, please know this: you are not alone.

This season isn’t about perfect traditions or Pinterest-worthy moments. Some of the most meaningful memories are made when we choose presence over perfection.

Sometimes presence looks like.

Taking a deep breath when your 13-year-old’s spicy spirit shows up and choosing connection over correction, remembering that big attitudes often hide big feelings, especially during the holidays.

Staying grounded when the three-nager is screaming, “I UNT TO DO IT BY MYSELF!” while insisting on pouring the milk next to the cookies, because independence matters, even when it’s loud and messy. Yep, even when they spill it. Those skills are part of learning.

Responding with grace when your elementary sweetheart turns the house into a winter wonderland of flour (snow) while everyone sleeps (true story… I’m still finding flour in the couch cushions and the ceiling fan 😅).

Presence might also look like curling up to read The Jesus Storybook Bible, laughing through a board game, making simple crafts, ordering pizza, or even having a silly food fight just to break the tension (alternative=Pillow or Stuffy Fight). None of it has to be fancy to be faithful or meaningful.

What matters most is that your home is a place of love, safety, grace, and belonging. The messes can be cleaned. The attitudes will pass. But the way you showed up, that’s what sticks.

If you feel stuck, tired, or unsure how to handle the moments in between the magic, please know you don’t have to figure it out alone. We are here for you. I care about you, I see you, and I’m honored to walk alongside you this season. ❤️

You’re doing holy, important work, even on the hard days.

🤟🏼 Stephanie Ellison