I don’t remember many specific gifts I got for Christmas as a kid.

The only one I really recall was “Sally Secrets”—a doll with stamps and stickers hidden inside (yeah, it was pretty cool).

My husband remembers getting a “WrestleMania” wrestling ring…

But what we both really cherish and remember is the feelings and the moments of joy we shared with family.

One of my favorite traditions growing up was listening to the Nutcracker.

We’d put on a whole living-room performance every year, roping friends into it. (I always played the Rat King)

Dad filmed, and he’d sneak whoopee cushion sounds into the background.

Our “bloopers reel” had us crying with laughter every single year.

These are the kind of memories that have stuck with me into adulthood.

What do you remember most?

I asked my Instagram community this question, and the responses were heartwarming.

My hunch was right. Most of us don’t remember the actual gifts (aside from one or two special ones).

What we really remember is:

🎄 Togetherness — family dinners, cousins’ laughter, playing charades.
🎄 Traditions — singing carols, yummy family recipes, holiday movies.
🎄 The magic of anticipation — counting down days, circling toys in catalogs, basking in the cozy glow of lights.

For many, Christmas was the one day everyone prioritized joy...

...and quite a few made a point to say it’s the one day they could count on their parents being happy and having fun.

I say this with so much compassion and zero judgment:

I think we all hope our kids remember us as joyful and fun for more than just one day a year.

Prioritize joy this season

That’s why I created “Laughing All the Way,” a playful advent calendar packed with easy, silly prompts to help you make magical memories this December — without adding to your stress (and hopefully reducing it!)

💡 Takes 10 minutes or less each day​
💯 Kid-tested and approved (my 8-year-old stepdaughter gave many of them “a million out of five” for fun!)
😂 Gets the whole family laughing together (yes, especially YOU)

Let’s be accountability partners for connection and joy this season!

​👉 Tap here to grab Laughing All the Way for the price of a fancy holiday latte​

Warm hugs, ☃️
Mia

P.S. I’d love to hear about your favorite holiday memories! It’s so fun to read them, and it’s also a great way to reflect on what made those moments so special. Just hit reply. ❤️

P.P.S. I'll be sending a few reminders about this before the month is up, but you can opt out of them by tapping here!