A Simpler Way to Document Your Holiday Memories

When the season gets full, small stories still matter because they help you feel connected to your memories.

The holidays are full of plans, people, memories, emotions, and sometimes the pressure to do it all, capture it all, and keep up with projects meant to feel joyful.

If holiday scrapbooking has ever felt overwhelming, you’re not alone.  For many people, the idea of documenting every single day adds stress to an already busy month.

(That's a pic of a December Daily album from 2010. Never completed it. Nice cover though!)

This year, I’m inviting you to try a calmer, more flexible approach.

Instead of documenting the entire month or committing to a big project, choosing a few meaningful memories can help you feel more relaxed and confident in your memory keeping.

Here’s what that can look like:

1. Start With a Few Memories

Choose 3–5 moments that stand out:

• a tradition you repeat every year

• a new memory you don’t want to forget

• a quiet moment that felt grounding

• a favorite recipe, ritual, movie, or outing

• a feeling you want to hold onto

There’s no ranking or perfect list.  If it sparks something, it’s enough.

2. Use a Simple Prompt to Find the Heart of the Story

A single question can uncover the meaning:

• What made this memory matter this year?

• What feeling do I want to remember?

• How has this moment changed over time?

• What does this remind me of?

A few honest lines are enough.

3. Build a Gentle Memories Page (or Keep It Written)

If you're short on time, just choose one or two photos and write a few notes if you want to make a quick page.  If some memories haven’t happened yet, leave a placeholder.  You can always add the photo or journaling later.

4. Let This Be a Rhythm, Not a Project

Try adding one memory a week.  Or one whenever it feels right.  There’s no finish line, no pressure, and no feeling “behind.”

Your holiday memories don’t need to be fully documented to matter. One true story at a time is more than enough.

Which of the above approaches resonates with you?  Let me know in the comments!