The holidays used to feel magical—catalogs, Santa letters, decorations, excitement. Now as a millennial mom, the season feels less like joy and more like survival. Bills, inflation, and pressure to create “holiday magic” on a stretched budget have replaced the wonder I once knew. Here’s my honest take on why the holidays just don’t hit the same anymore.

When life feels like an endless storm, it’s easy to focus on everything going wrong. But lately, I’ve been reminding myself to look for the blessings that shine through the clouds. From my daughter having her own room to the simple fact that the lights are still on, I’m learning that gratitude is the bridge out of pessimism.