Bake It or Buy It: Finding Your Festive Joy
Ah, the festive season. For some, it’s a time to dive headfirst into the magic of Christmas—baking cookies, decorating the tree, stringing lights like you’re in a Hallmark movie. And then there’s the rest of us, quietly wondering if we can outsource the whole thing without anyone noticing.
Take Samara, for example. She loves Christmas. The baking, the decorations, the carefully curated traditions—it lights her up in a way that’s infectious. For her, every cookie she ices and every twinkly light she strings is pure joy. Then there’s me (hi, Jen). The thought of baking anything from scratch sends me into a minor anxiety spiral. My idea of festive joy? Picking up a beautifully boxed dessert from the bakery and still having time for a cup of tea.
Here’s the thing: both approaches are valid, and neither is “better.” The real magic of the season lies in doing what feels meaningful and joyful for you.
The Problem with “Should”
The festive season has a sneaky way of piling on the “shoulds.” You should bake, you should host, you should say yes to every invitation and squeeze in every last-minute request. But here’s the truth: those “shoulds” aren’t universal—they’re based on someone else’s idea of Christmas.
For Samara, baking 12 different kinds of cookies is a source of energy and happiness. For me, it’s a source of stress and mess. The trick is recognising that there’s no one “right” way to do Christmas. What matters is whether the things you’re doing bring you joy—or if you’re doing them simply because you feel like you should.
How to Find What Feels Right?
It’s easy to get swept up in what everyone else is doing this time of year, but staying grounded in your own values can make all the difference. Here’s how to figure out your version of festive joy:
1. Ask Yourself Why:
When you’re faced with a task or tradition, pause and ask, Why am I doing this?
Is it because you truly enjoy it?
Is it because it aligns with your values?
Or is it because you feel obligated?
2. Find Your Joyful Middle Ground:
Sometimes, the answer isn’t an all-or-nothing decision. For example:
Love baking but hate the time pressure? Pick one special recipe instead of tackling a dozen.
Hate baking but love the idea of sharing treats? Support a local bakery and dress up their goodies with your own festive flair.
Don’t love hosting but still want connection? Suggest a casual picnic or a “bring-a-plate” gathering instead of an elaborate dinner.
3. Own Your Choices:
Whatever you decide, do it with confidence. There’s no need to compare your Christmas to anyone else’s—it’s about creating a season that feels meaningful to you.
Celebrate Each Other’s Joy
One of the most beautiful things about the festive season is seeing how different people find joy in different ways. Samara gets her deepest sense of fulfillment from the process—the smells, the sights, the effort that goes into creating something magical for her loved ones. I, on the other hand, thrive on simplicity. For me, it’s about having a little more breathing room to soak up the season’s magic without feeling overwhelmed.
Neither approach is less important or more worthy. The key is to honour what lights you up, and just as importantly, to celebrate what lights up the people around you.
Action Steps: Creating a Festive Season That Fits You
If you’re feeling torn between the “shoulds” and what feels good, try this:
Pause and Reflect: Take five minutes to write down what you love most about the festive season. Is it the food, the connection, the twinkling lights? Focus your energy there.
Pick Your Non-Negotiables: Choose two or three things you absolutely want to prioritise this year, whether it’s baking, gift-wrapping, or simply enjoying time with your family.
Let Go of the Guilt: If something doesn’t make the list, that’s okay. You’re not skipping it forever—just this year.
Celebrate Others’ Choices: When you see someone like Samara going all out, cheer them on. Their joy doesn’t diminish yours—and vice versa.
The Bigger Picture
At the heart of the festive season is the connection we all crave—whether it’s through a homemade cookie or a store-bought cake. The way you celebrate doesn’t matter as much as the intention behind it. So bake it, buy it, or skip it altogether. Just make sure that whatever you do, it’s coming from a place of joy and not obligation.
Because the true magic of Christmas? It’s not in the cookies or the decorations—it’s in the moments we create and the memories we share, no matter how we choose to do it. 🎄
