Muffins with Mom – A K.I.S.S. for the Holiday

One egg, water, add to gingerbread mix. Betty Crocker made it easy to bake gingerbread with my sons as part of our Holiday tradition. The end result was warm, moist cake, with a dollop of cool whip, and an engaging conversation with my sons. My tip for the Holiday is to seal it with a K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Silly).

As part of our Holiday tradition, we put up the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. It’s looking at the Christmas lights that motivate me. When my sons were younger they would help decorate the tree, adding beads, bulbs, and ornaments they made at school.

Although my sons are grown now, the tradition still continues, it just looks a little different. I’ve learned to keep it simple. I asked my older son to help me drag the Christmas tree box from the basement. This also meant hauling out the tote containing all the ornaments (ribbons, bulbs, beads, bells).

“Why do you have so much stuff,” my son asked.

“Accumulation. At least it’s organized.”

It didn’t take long to assemble the pre-lit tree, but it was days before I returned to add ornaments. It was then that I enlisted the assistance of my younger son to help decorate the tree. He is known as the negotiation of the family.

“I’ll help if I can have flavored candy canes, and gingerbread,” said son two.

“You can do it for the bonding and family togetherness, and I’ll consider the gingerbread.”

Well, I did make the gingerbread, and the Christmas tree is decorated with the ornaments and candy canes. I spend a little time each day sitting in stillness (reading, or writing) and admiring the colorful lights.

As you prepare for the Holiday season choose to do something simple that brings you joy. Little things can provide bug joy.

What tips do you have for keeping the Holiday season simple?