After Christmas: Rest, Reflection, and Traditions That Last

Christmas has passed, and now everyone seems to be back in motion—shopping, dining out, returning to work. But me? I'm not there yet. I still needed to rest—my body was still tired and sore. I know the Christmas spirit is over, and everyone needs to get back to reality and pay their bills, since we're all broke from overspending, LOL.

Of course, as I'm trying to sink into that rest, papi wanted to see what he could find at the after-Christmas sales. So off we went to "browse"—at least that's what I told myself. Meanwhile, everyone else was already out there shopping, dining out, doing life. And all I wanted? To be in my pajamas, watching anime, snacking on popcorn or queso with chips. A moment where no one needs you, no one's calling you, no one's wanting your attention. Is that too much to ask?

Resting is so much needed when your body is tired, sore, and dehydrated. Being in my pajamas while enjoying some snacks, watching a movie or an anime or whatever I might feel like—and not being bothered by anyone or needed by anyone—is just quiet and friendly. That's all I wanted. Just that simple, peaceful moment to recharge.

We actually had a good time browsing the sales—until we witnessed peak post-Christmas chaos. In one of the stores, some dude decided he needed to act like a tough guy and started a fight with another man who was just shopping with his family. Thankfully, the other guy was like "whatever" and didn't react. But this big guy? He kept shouting, acting like some alpha male, making a whole scene. My dad and I were standing there laughing like, "You feel better now, big man?" He completely disregarded his own family and the other man's because he felt he needed to "put some sense" into someone. The whole thing just felt stupid and unnecessary. Nothing says post-Christmas spirit like watching grown men throw tantrums in the clearance aisle, right?

After weeks of hustle and holiday chaos, I'm choosing to pause, breathe, and reflect—even if the universe (and random aggressive shoppers) have other plans.

As I sit here (finally back home), I find myself wondering: What traditions or hobbies make Christmas special for you? Growing up, my mom collected Santas—every shape, size, and style. I never really understood why, but it was her thing. My abuela, on the other hand, loved Christmas villages. Some of her pieces now live in my home, and my kids enjoy putting them together as one of our holiday activities.

This year, the boys really got into it. They played with the village people, added some bears to the scene, and pretended they were villagers—policemen, firemen, you name it. It's beautiful to see them play and let their imaginations run wild. It makes me happy and warms my heart because these pieces are from abuela, and she would absolutely love to see them enjoying themselves like this. Of course, I'm standing there yelling, "You better not break my village!" LOL. But honestly, seeing them create their own stories with her treasures—that's what keeps her memory alive. It's a way to feel close to her, even though she's gone.

Traditions tell stories. They connect generations. For some, it's nutcrackers, snowmen, or even the Grinch. For me, right now, it's collecting ornaments with my kids. Each year, we pick out something meaningful, and I plan to pass these ornaments on to them for their own families someday. It's simple, but it's ours—and that's what matters.

As life goes on and people return to their regular schedules, I hope Christmas was more than just gifts, stress, and overstimulation—but a time to be grateful and to appreciate what truly matters.

As we move past the holiday rush, I'm grateful. Grateful to everyone who
made Christmas special for my kids, to my husband, who cared and provided, and to God, who gave us another year together. We are still here, still breathing, still striving to live for Him. These moments—beyond the gifts, beyond the glitter—are what I cherish most. Because at the heart of it all is love, family, and faith.

What are your Christmas hobbies or traditions? And what about after Christmas—do you rest, hit the sales, or dive right back into the chaos? Share in the comments—I'd love to hear what makes this season special for you.