The Art of Holiday Preparation: Purpose and Connection Over Perfection
As soon as the clock strikes midnight on November 1st, all attention seems to turn to Christmas. It’s like a collective switch is flipped, and we find ourselves swept into the holiday season with excitement, stress, and anticipation. And let’s be honest; any major celebration requires some preparation. But here’s the thing — preparation doesn’t just mean buying gifts, decorating the house, and planning the big meal. It means creating space for meaningful connections, a process that begins long before the turkey is carved or the first Christmas song plays.
At its core, preparation for the holidays is about intention. It’s about having a purpose in what you do and how you show up for those you love. And I’ll be the first to admit, sometimes that sounds like basic advice. But repetition and rephrasing have a way of deepening our understanding of what we truly desire — not just for ourselves, but for the people we care about. The holidays should be about connection, not obligation.
Purpose in the Midst of the Hustle
When I think about my purpose during the holidays, it’s simple: I want to build and nurture meaningful relationships with each of my children and their families. Each year, I try to reflect on what they truly need and want from me, especially as they get older. I don’t want the holiday season to feel like just another set of boxes to check. I want it to be a chance to connect, listen, and be present.
For example, I’ll host a large Thanksgiving gathering with extended friends this year, which is always a joy. But I’ve also learned that large gatherings don’t always serve everyone’s emotional needs. Not everyone feels seen or heard in those big, bustling settings. So, I’ve begun to pay more attention to how I can offer quieter, more intimate moments where my loved ones can truly feel valued.
Meaningful Moments Over Traditions
Consider the people you love and what they actually want during the holidays. For some, that may mean cozying up for a quiet movie night. For my granddaughters, it’s simply spending time together in a relaxed, low-key environment. For one of my married couples, it’s about going out for a nice dinner, just the two of them. Another couple with a toddler loves to spend time in the park — simple, joyful moments more valuable than any grand holiday tradition.
I’ve also learned to delegate where I can. The sibling gift exchange, for example, became more meaningful when I handed it off to the youngest among us. This way, everyone feels involved, and the tradition feels fresh. Similarly, my family’s large Andrews gathering is now organized and hosted by adult nieces in their 40s, which allows me to enjoy the holiday without feeling overwhelmed by all the logistics. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to do it all ourselves. Sometimes, letting go of some of the control opens up space for others to step in and bring their own energy to the holiday.
Ultimately, I’ve learned that no matter how much effort I put into setting the table, the relationships I cultivate year-round make the invitation truly meaningful. I can create the space, set the atmosphere, and offer the invitation, but it’s up to my family to decide how they’ll respond. The way I show up for them the other 365 days of the year — with love, consistency, and care — makes them want to accept that invitation.
Invitation and Connection
As we move into the holiday season, I encourage you to think about your purpose. What do you truly desire for the holidays, and how can you create meaningful moments that go beyond the hustle of preparations? It’s the relationships we build that matter most, and the holidays offer us a chance to deepen those connections in ways that last long after the last piece of pumpkin pie is gone.