Sometimes I feel like it is. I want to organize the perfect Christmas: baking, planning gifts… but with such challenging kids, it’s a huge struggle. Every time I try to do something, someone fights or makes a mess. Sometimes I end up so exhausted that I think: is all this effort worth it? I want them to enjoy it, but I also want to enjoy it myself. Maybe this time I should simplify and focus on what really matters: being together and making memories.
Been there. It’s chaos, but it’s love
I also tried to create a Hallmark-level Christmas last year, and let me tell you, it did not go as planned. My toddler spilled flour everywhere while we were baking, and my 5 year old refused to take part in decorating because it “wasn’t fun.” I was so drained by Christmas Eve that I just cried. This year, I’m keeping it simple: one baking day, one craft day, and a lot of cuddles in pajamas watching Christmas movies. You’re not alone in feeling like it’s too much sometimes.
I can totally relate to this. My 3 year old doesn’t stop moving, and my 5 year old is at the “I don’t want to help” phase. Last year, I tried to host, bake, and make handmade gifts for family, and by the time Christmas morning came, I felt like a zombie. This year, we’re doing just two things: baking cookies and watching movies as a family. Everything else is optional. Don’t forget, the kids won’t remember if you skipped the fancy stuff, they’ll remember how they felt.
I feel this so much. Can I ask, how do you balance wanting to create traditions with not driving yourself crazy? Do you skip things entirely or just scale them back?
Omg this resonates so much. I have a 6 year old and a 3 year old, and every holiday season feels like a marathon Last year, I tried to make a gingerbread house and my youngest just kept eating the frosting while my oldest argued about where the candy should go. It ended with me cleaning frosting off the walls and questioning my life choices. This year, I’m letting go of big plans and focusing on one or two things we can all do together without the stress. You’re not alone in this, it’s hard, but you’re doing your best, and that’s enough
I’ve been there, and let me tell you, it’s okay to let go of the “perfect” Christmas idea. My kids are teens now, and they mostly remember the funny, messy moments: like the time the tree fell over or when we burned the cookies. Keep it simple. Traditions are about connection, not perfection
Thank you all for these responses! It’s so comforting to hear I’m not alone in this. I think I’ll take your advice and keep it simple this year, maybe just a few small activities we can all enjoy. I’m going to let go of perfection and focus on spending time with my little ones. 
It’s hard now, but trust me, it gets better! My kids are 8 and 5 now, and they’ve started to appreciate all the little traditions we’ve built. I’ve learned it doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable. Hang in there, you’re doing great!
One thing that helped me was setting clear expectations for myself. Instead of “perfect,” I aim for “good enough.” A few tips: pick one activity they’ll enjoy (like decorating cookies or making paper chains) and leave the rest. Also, ask yourself: which parts of Christmas bring you joy? Focus on those and let go of the rest.
Something I learned from a parenting book was to involve the kids in the process at their level. For example, instead of baking the “perfect” cookies, give them a bowl of dough and let them go wild. They’ll love it, and you can laugh about the mess later. Also, try breaking traditions into bite-sized pieces. Decorating a tree doesn’t have to happen in one day; do the lights one evening, ornaments the next. It spreads the joy and lowers your stress!