Timeless Traditions: Redefining Holiday Decor in a Season of Transition

This holiday season, I may be embracing all the festive vibes, but when it comes to decking the halls, I’m feeling a bit indifferent. The mental checklist of climbing into the attic, unboxing decorations, sorting through them, and transforming the house into a winter wonderland feels overwhelming. The mere thought of this process is enough to make my jaw hit the floor.

I’m not alone in feeling this way, especially during a season where time is a precious commodity. Picture this: my family and I are seven months postpartum, navigating through the emotional whirlwind of our baby’s surgeries and the juggling act of caring for a toddler while growing my group practice. Time has become a focal point, and the weight of its significance is palpable.

Motherhood has reshaped my relationship with time, highlighting its value. The freedom to use time as I please has shifted to a careful dance around the needs of my children and my husband’s schedule. There are no more impromptu gym sessions; everything must align with the family agenda.

I’ve learned that how I spend my time has a direct impact on my emotional well-being. Overcommitting or saying yes to things that don’t resonate with my desires leads to a misuse of time, leaving me stretched thin. Our me-time as moms is precious, and allocating it to areas that don’t fill our cups leaves us feeling depleted.

While I adore holiday decorations, this year, we’re opting for simplicity, focusing on traditions and minimalistic Christmas décor. A chat with my husband revealed he felt similarly about holiday lights. We acknowledged the season we’re in, with surgeries and a hectic schedule, and decided on what would best serve our needs. Seasons change, and what feels right this year may evolve.

Here’s what we’re doing different this year:

  1. 25 Days of Christmas Movies: We’re cozying up and cuddling together, and I’m excited to share some of my favorite Christmas movies with my boys.
  2. Polar Express Experience: We’re creating our own Polar Express experience by whipping up homemade hot chocolate, packing warm blankets, and driving through San Antonio’s winter wonderlands on the weekends.
  3. Matching Christmas Pajamas: We are matching with our pajamas this year, and nothing is cozier than pajamas and cool weather.

Now, I’m genuinely excited about this holiday season! Embracing simplicity, we’re creating new traditions and exploring Christmas activities around San Antonio. Living in such a vibrant city allows us to skip the elaborate home decorations without missing out on the communal festive spirit found in community events. Cheers to a season of cherished moments and new traditions!

Teresa Urbina
Teresa, moved to San Antonio from her beloved El Paso in 2021, and brings the warm desert vibes wherever she goes. Her heart finds solace in the wild outdoors, be it amidst untamed wilderness, serene waters, or the embrace of Mother Nature herself. When she's not connecting with the elements, you'll find her channeling her creative self, crafting birthday decorations or for holiday celebrations. Teresa is a fierce mama to two energetic boys, born in 2020 and 2023, and she shares life's adventure with her husband, Alec. As a Perinatal Mental Health Therapist, she pours her heart into helping mothers find their strength and resilience. Catch her vibrant life snippets on Instagram, where she shares moments of bliss and insight. Beyond her therapeutic pursuits, Teresa finds joy in peaceful evenings on her patio, dancing in her kitchen with her littles, and going for runs. If you ever need restaurant recommendations, she'll point you to Chris Madrid's, and when it comes to landmarks, the San Fernando Cathedral holds a special place in her heart. But ask her about her favorite San Antonio tradition, and she'll wholeheartedly declare her love for Fiesta!