Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
’Tis the season for making lists and checking them twice. The holidays—portrayed on TV as magical and nostalgic—often feel hectic and overwhelming in real life. With constant ads on TV and radio, it’s easy to believe the holidays are all about buying more and more. The true sentiment of the season often gets buried under pressure to consume, give, and somehow meet our children’s wishes in hopes they feel loved, cared for, or happy.
But deep down, we know gifts alone don’t create those feelings. Still, we stress about finding the right gifts, the right amount of gifts, the perfect gifts—and making sure each child has an equal number of presents.
So how do we slow down and make the season more manageable?
Start with this simple phrase: “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.”
Set a budget that makes sense for your family and aligns with your values. Keep that budget in mind as you shop. You could buy more, but should you?
Remember: it’s okay if your child is disappointed when something they want isn’t in the budget. It’s healthy for kids to learn that they won’t always get everything they ask for. And it’s healthy for us as parents to remember that we don’t have to give them everything, even if we can.
Your family’s needs and values matter—not what others are doing. Comparison brings unnecessary judgment and feelings of inadequacy. Why do that to yourself? Your choices are based on what is best for your family, and that is enough.
Most importantly, give yourself permission to stop, pause, breathe, and look around at the blessings you have right now. The holidays, for all their sparkle and warmth, can also stir up hard emotions—memories that ache, grief that feels close, and regrets that quietly tug at us. Slowing down and focusing on what is here, what is real, and what is truly meaningful can bring a sense of grounding in a season that often feels anything but.
Take time for yourself. Protect your peace. Let go of the pressure to do it all simply because you can. When we shift our attention from perfection to presence, we not only lower the stress of the season—we open the door to feeling more gratitude, more connection, and more genuine joy.
Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. And sometimes, choosing less is exactly what allows us to experience more.