I’m Dreaming of a Simple Christmas

The holidays are upon us again. The world hums with busyness—bright lights, endless lists, and a constant push to do more, buy more, give more. The noise of it all drowns out the calm I crave. The stillness I long for. The quiet joy I want to savor.

What if, this year, I choose a different way?

What if I don’t need the biggest tree or the most elaborate decorations? What if a small tree—simple and adorned with just a few favorite ornaments—is enough to fill my home with warmth? What if I skip the garlands and glitter, and instead light a single candle that casts a glow of peace?

What if I don’t rush from one holiday event to the next, caught in a whirlwind of obligations? What if I protect my time and choose only the gatherings that matter most? The ones where hearts are nourished, not just calendars filled. What if I allow myself moments of stillness—even on Christmas Eve—to pause, to breathe, to simply be?

What if I give fewer gifts, but give more love? Instead of frantic shopping, what if I offer handmade tokens, thoughtful words, or shared experiences? What if I stop measuring love by the size of the boxes under the tree and recognize that presence—not presents—is the greatest gift of all?

What if I let go of perfection? The perfect meal, the perfect outfit, the perfect Christmas card photo. What if the dinner table is simple, the clothes are cozy, and the smiles are genuine—even if they’re not picture-perfect? What if I embrace the messiness of real life, knowing that joy lives there, too?

What if I don’t worry about making everyone happy? What if I accept that not every tradition needs to be upheld, not every expectation met? What if I focus on making space for peace, for connection, for laughter—for the things that truly matter?

What if I give myself permission to rest? To step back from the frenzy and take time to recharge. To find joy in quiet moments: a cup of hot cocoa, a favorite song, the soft glow of Christmas lights in the dark. What if I allow myself to find beauty in the simplicity of it all?

What if I choose a simple Christmas—a Christmas that isn’t measured by excess but by meaning? A holiday where the joy isn’t found in the chaos, but in the calm. Where less really does become more.

This year, I’m dreaming of a simple Christmas. A quiet, beautiful, gentle Christmas.

I think it’s enough.