let’s be real: you don’t need a “ralph lauren” christmas to make it magical

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.