Some days, I don’t braid my hair for an event or a special moment.

I braid it because it helps me feel a little more like myself.

This braid has quietly become my go-to on the days when my hair isn’t freshly washed — the in-between days when the texture is just right and I need something that looks intentional with almost no effort. I’ll run a bit of Not Your Mother’s All Eyes On Me styling cream through it, brush it out with my clearing brush, smooth the top with a soft brush, and that’s really all it takes. Here's a video tutorial on how you can create this textured braid by Eva Pautov.

Once my hair has dried and settled into its natural texture, this braid just works.

It holds. It sits beautifully.
It gives that soft, romantic look without me even trying.
It’s quick.
And it makes me feel… good.
More “me.”
not because it’s perfect,
but because it makes me feel steady and lovely in the smallest way.
A soft moment I can choose for myself.

It’s the hairstyle I reach for when I want to feel put together without doing anything dramatic — something pretty, something feminine, something that elevates the most normal day. It almost looks bridal, but in the gentlest, most everyday way. Elegant but not complicated. Soft but not boring.

And on days when I’m craving a tiny bit more joy, I’ll add a clip or a bow — nothing loud, just something sweet. A small detail that makes the whole thing feel intentional, even if the rest of the day feels like improvising.

That’s why I love this braid.

It’s simple.

It holds all my in-between moments — the errands, the coffee runs, the afternoons at home, the days where motherhood feels heavier, and I need one thing that feels easy and beautiful.

Maybe that’s why it’s become the thing I return to again and again:

A quiet kind of self-care.

Even on the messy days.

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Some mornings I wake up feeling light — the kind of light that makes the ordinary feel almost beautiful. The dishes don’t bother me. The noise feels alive instead of overwhelming. I catch myself smiling at the little things — the way sunlight dances through the kitchen window, the sound of small feet running down the hallway.

And then there are the other mornings.

The ones that start with exhaustion before my feet even touch the floor. The ones where every task feels heavier, where my patience feels shorter, where the noise echoes instead of singing.

But when I look around, the scenes are the same.

The meals still need to be made.

The toys still spill across the floor.

The bedtime stories still need to be read.

The tiny hands still reach for me — trusting, needing, loving — even when I don’t feel like my best self.

That’s motherhood, isn’t it?

The same motions, repeated through changing hearts.

We do it whether our spirits are light or heavy.

We love whether we’re overflowing or holding on by a thread.

We show up — tired, joyful, messy, beautiful — because love calls us to.

There’s a quiet strength in that.

A kind of resilience that doesn’t need to be loud or noticed.

Because most days, no one can see the difference.

They don’t see that you made the same breakfast today through tears instead of laughter.

They don’t see that you read the same story tonight with a tired heart instead of an easy smile.

They don’t see that you whispered “it’s okay” to yourself while tucking your little one in.

But you know.

You feel it.

And still — you show up.

That’s the unseen strength of motherhood.

It’s not in the perfect days or polished photos.

It’s in the ordinary moments where love quietly refuses to quit.

So to every mom who’s been holding it all together — even when it doesn’t show — I see you.

You are doing sacred work, even when it looks the same on the outside.

Even when no one notices the difference, your heart feels it.

And that love — the kind that shows up again and again — is everything. 🌷

If this spoke to you, share it with another mom who needs to be reminded:

You don’t have to feel your strongest to be strong.

You’re already doing it — every single day.

🎅 1. Christmas Cookie Sensory Play (No Baking Required)

A simple sensory setup inspired by holiday baking — without the mess of an actual kitchen!

What You’ll Need:
• Bowl or bin
• Oats, flour, or rice (whatever you have on hand!)
• Measuring cups + spoons
• Cookie cutters
• Optional: cinnamon for scent

Why It’s Great:
• Low-prep sensory fun
• Builds fine motor and scooping skills
• Let's little ones pretend they're “baking” with mom

Modification for Age 1–2:
• Use larger scoops only
• Skip cinnamon if allergies/sensitivities
• Keep the texture simple (just oats or flour)

🎄 2. Ornament Collage Craft

A great after-school or weekend craft you can do while sipping cocoa together.

What You’ll Need:
• Pre-cut paper ornament shapes
• Glue sticks
• Tissue paper, scrap wrapping paper, stickers
• Optional: ribbon or yarn for hanging

Why It’s Great:
• Encourages creative expression
• Uses recycled materials
• Perfect for decorating their room or gifts

Modification for Age 1–2:
• Pre-glue strips so they can simply press decorations down
• Avoid small beads or sequins

❄️ 3. Frozen “Snow” Sensory Bin

Create magical winter play without real snow.

What You’ll Need:
• Cornstarch + water for “snow,” OR instant mashed potatoes
• Cups, scoops, toy animals
• Optional: blue food coloring

Why It’s Great:
• Encourages sensory tolerance
• Builds imaginative play
• Smells like winter (if using potatoes!)

Modification for Age 1–2:
• Use ice cubes in a Ziplock for cold, mess-free sensory
• Skip food coloring

🎁 4. Gingerbread Play Dough (No-Cook)

Smells just like Christmas morning and takes under 5 minutes to prep.

Ingredients:
• 2 cups flour
• ½ cup salt
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp cream of tartar (optional)
• 1 tbsp gingerbread spice or cinnamon
• 1–1.5 cups warm water

Why It’s Great:
• Strengthens the little hand muscles
• Holiday scents = instant magic
• Great for cookie-cutter play

Modification for Age 1–2:
• Skip spices if allergies
• Supervise closely if mouthing

⭐ 5. Holiday Pom-Pom Sorting

Super quick and easy — perfect for after nap or during work breaks.

What You’ll Need:
• Red, green, white, gold pom-poms
• Muffin tin or ice cube tray
• Tongs, scoops, or hands

Why It’s Great:
• Builds early math + sorting skills
• Strengthens fine motor coordination

Modification for Age 1–2:
• Use hands instead of tongs
• Use large pom-poms only

🕯️ 6. “Lights in the Snow” Sensory Tub

A magical, calming activity for afternoons or quiet time.

What You’ll Need:
• White rice, cotton balls, or shredded paper
• Battery-powered tea lights
• Small ornaments or cups

Why It’s Great:
• Encourages calming, slow play
• Creates a beautiful sensory environment

Modification for Age 1–2:
• Use only large, non-breakable items
• Skip ornaments if tiny

🎨 7. Pinecone Christmas Trees

A nature-inspired craft that doubles as décor.

What You’ll Need:
• Pinecones (cleaned and dried)
• Washable paint
• Pom-poms, sticker gems, or paper dots

Why It’s Great:
• Strengthens grip
• Encourages creativity
• Low-cost and festive

Modification for Age 1–2:
• Pre-paint pinecones green
• Let them press large pom-poms onto glue dots

🧪 8. Snow Globe Sensory Bottles

The easiest Christmas craft — and so soothing.

What You’ll Need:
• Clear plastic bottles
• Water + clear glue
• Glitter, sequins, holiday confetti
• Hot glue to seal

Why It’s Great:
• Calming and mesmerizing
• Great for car rides or quiet time

Modification for Age 1–2:
• Secure lids VERY tightly
• Supervise during play

📚 9. Holiday Story Time & Puppet Play

A simple way to wind down the evening.

Book Ideas:
• “Llama Llama Holiday Drama”
• “Little Blue Truck’s Christmas.”
• “Construction Site: Merry and Bright.t”

Why It’s Great:
• Boosts language development
• Adds imagination and storytelling

Modification for Age 1–2:
• Read only the pictures or short sections
• Use soft, easy-to-grab puppets

🍪 10. Cookie Cutter Painting

Festive shapes + paint = hours of toddler joy.

What You’ll Need:
• Holiday cookie cutters
• Washable paint
• Paper plates
• Paper or gift wrap for stamping

Why It’s Great:
• Introduces printmaking
• Makes adorable wrapping paper

Modification for Age 1–2:
• You dip, they press
• Use thick paper for easier handling

These holiday toddler activities are fun, low-cost, and perfect for busy moms who want to slow down and savor the season. Whether you're creating pinecone trees or having a cozy story night, the real magic comes from the memories you make together. ❤️🎄

🔖 Save this and follow me at @iamchristinaxoxo on Pinterest for more holiday play ideas and simple, meaningful ways to connect with your toddlers.

I’ll be honest — I was falling for it.

The perfectly styled photos. The Target aisles are full of red and plaid and twinkle lights. The “must-have” Christmas collections promise to make everything feel just a little more magical.

And before I knew it, I was in it — buying things I didn’t really need.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’ve bought a few things this year. A couple pops of red because everything I own is so neutral, and I just wanted a touch of that traditional warmth. And as I looked around at the decorations I’ve had for years — the simple white houses, the star, the little pieces I’ve collected slowly — I realized something: I don’t need a brand-new “look” to make Christmas beautiful. Almost everything in the photo I’m sharing is something I already own. The only new thing is the little cupcake plate, a tiny pop of red I couldn’t resist.
But the rest? It’s already enough.

But somewhere along the way, I had to stop myself and ask…

Who am I doing this for?
Because if I’m being honest, it wasn’t for my son — he just wants the hot chocolate, popcorn, the movies, and to stay up past bedtime. And it definitely wasn’t for Jesus — He’s not measuring my Christmas joy by how coordinated my tree looks.

It was for that picture in my head — the one where everything looks like a cozy magazine spread. But that picture isn’t real life.

Real life is toys under the tree before Christmas morning. It’s fingerprints on the ornaments. It’s a kitchen that smells like cinnamon rolls and a living room that never quite stays clean.

So this year, I’m stepping back.

I don’t need more stuff to make this season special.
I just need more moments.

Not perfect ones — just the kind that actually matter:

Slow mornings with Christmas music playing and pancakes on the griddle.

Laughing on the couch under mismatched blankets.

Letting my little one help hang ornaments, even if it means they all end up in the same two spots.

Taking time to be still — to sit with a cup of coffee and remember why we celebrate in the first place.

Letting Jesus be the center again, not the decorations.

Because that’s where the magic really is.
Not in a “Ralph Lauren” Christmas — but in a real one.

So if you’ve been feeling the pressure to make it look perfect, you’re not alone. But maybe this year, we can trade the picture-perfect Christmas for one that’s actually full of peace, laughter, and meaning.

Because the best kind of Christmas?
It’s the one where your heart feels full — not your cart.

Our November began on the waves — a cruise that started in the last days of October and carried into the first week of November. Sunlight, warm ocean days, and laughter-filled family adventures filled our mornings, and by the end of the week, we were back home, settling into our nest and enjoying the quiet comfort of familiar spaces.

This month was full of small adventures, cozy mornings, and simple joys that reminded me how meaningful everyday life can be. Each photo in this post is a glimpse of what made November special.

A Poem for November

sunlight dancing on warm ocean days,
waves carrying laughter across the deck,
family adventures unfolding in every glance,
tiny hands, big smiles, moments to collect.

and then, back to our nest, our home,
where quiet corners hold soft light,
where warmth and laughter linger still,
and simple joys make our hearts feel right.

November reminded me that life’s magic often lives in small, quiet moments. It’s easy to get caught up in big plans or to wait for milestones to feel special, but this month I was reminded that joy is woven into everyday life — a shared laugh, a cozy morning, a spontaneous adventure.

Traveling and returning home in the same week highlighted the contrast between excitement and comfort, adventure and stillness. Both were equally meaningful, and together they made the month feel rich and full.

For moms especially, it’s a gentle reminder: slowing down, noticing small wins, and celebrating the ordinary is just as important as chasing the extraordinary. These snapshots are my way of remembering not just what we did, but how it felt to live this November fully, with curiosity, gratitude, and presence.

As we move toward December and the new year, I hope this visual diary inspires you to pause and capture your own moments — whether in photos or in memory. These small records become treasured memories, and they remind us that even ordinary days can feel extraordinary when we truly notice them.

There’s something about these weeks leading up to Christmas and the new year that always makes me pause. Maybe it’s the soft glow of the lights in the morning, the calm before the holiday busyness, or the comfort of sitting with a warm cup of coffee before my son wakes up. Either way, this season always nudges me to slow down and reflect.

Not in a “new year, new me” way. More like small, heart-level reflections — the ones that show up while decorating the tree, organizing my son’s winter things, or noticing how quickly another year has passed.

This year stretched me in ways I didn’t expect… and it softened me too. I’m learning to release the version of myself that always felt the need to do more, be more, prove more. Instead, I’m leaning into slow mornings, warm dinners, and the quiet magic hiding in everyday moments.

Motherhood continues to be the mirror that shows me who I’m becoming — tender and tired, yes, but also grounded and grateful. And somewhere in that grounding, I felt an urge to make space. Not a dramatic overhaul — just gentle, intentional clearing. A quiet preparation for what’s coming.

In the weeks leading up to the holidays, I started decluttering our home little by little. Toys tucked into bags for donation. Tiny clothes sorted and put away. Cupboards reorganized so the things we truly use and love are easier to reach. I even transformed our coat closet into a small, functional nook for my son’s school supplies and larger toys.

It felt right to create space before the new gifts, new routines, and fresh start of a new year — like setting the stage for calmer days. I’ll share the full process in another post, but for now I’ll just say this: making space—physically and emotionally—has helped me feel more grounded heading into a new year.

As I look ahead, I’m carrying a few things with me:

Gratitude — for the little moments. The unplanned laughter, the soft I love yous, the everyday ordinary that becomes extraordinary when you look back.

A gentler pace — choosing presence over pressure, enough over endlessness.

Trust — that I’m still growing, even on slow days.

Reflecting isn’t about fixing the past — it’s about honoring where we’ve been and preparing our hearts for what’s next. Maybe this is the year we stop chasing new versions of ourselves and simply return to who we already are.

a poem for 2026

may this new year be slow,

soft as morning light,

full of laughter that lingers

and peace that stays the night.

may our hands stay open

to all that’s meant to be,

and our hearts find home

in life’s simplicity.

As you read this, maybe pause for a moment. Notice your own quiet growth, your hidden strength, your gentle wins. You don’t need resolutions to begin again.

Sometimes reflection itself is enough.