This Christmas looked a little different for us – and honestly, it felt really right.

We didn’t skip gifts altogether; there were still toys under the tree, just not all the toys! The ones we chose were intentional- educational, open-ended, and useful. Things that encourage learning, creativity, and imagination instead of just adding to the clutter.

But the real gift this year?

A family vacation.

Instead of filling the living room with things that might be forgotten by February, we decided to invest in memories. Experiences. Time together. The kind of moments that stick long after the batteries die or the pieces go missing.

Because here’s what we know: The boys won’t remember every toy they opened. But they will remember the places we go. The adventures that we share. The late nights, the road trips, the laughter, and the stories that come from being somewhere new together.

So almost every gift tied back to that decision.

Things for the trip. Things we can use again when we camp. Things that double as school tools, road-trip entertainment, or everyday learning. Nothing flashy, nothing excessive, just thoughtful purposeful gifts that support the life we’re building- not just one day on ethe calendar.

And one of the most special parts? We aren’t doing this trip alone! This trip includes our family ** four adults and five kids** and getting to surprise the cousins with the news made it even sweeter. Watching their excitement spill over reminded us that shared memories are multiplied, not divided.

And NOW….the hardest part….

THE COUNTDOWN.

The daily questions of: “is it time to go yet?” “How many sleeps?” “Are we leaving today?”

We’re officially in the phase of waiting where excitement is bursting at the seams and patience is wearing thin- but honestly, I wouldn’t trade it.

Because that anticipation? That joy? That eagerness to experience something together? THAT’S THE MAGIC!

This Christmas reminded me that less really can be more. That presence matters more than presents. And that choosing memories over stuff isn’t about deprivation – it’s about intention.

So we’ll answer the same question a few more times. We’ll count down the days. And then we’ll pack up and go make the memories they’ll carry far longer than any toy.