A Very Real Christmas: Overeating, Rewatching Movies, and Missing the Ones We Love

Christmas is here.

Not approaching. Not almost. Not “one more sleep.” It has fully arrived — along with a fridge overflowing with food, crumbs appearing in strange places, and Christmas movies playing whether anyone is watching or not.

This year, Christmas feels simple. Slightly chaotic. Comfortably imperfect. And honestly? Exactly what I needed.

Christmas dinner

Christmas menu

Comfort Food, Overeating, and No Guilt

Growing up in the UK until age seven, one thing has always stayed with me: the joy of a proper roast. A roast isn’t just a meal — it’s fond memories on a plate and a gentle reminder that you’ll probably eat more than intended.

For me, a roast means protein of choice, potatoes (always plenty), vegetables, gravy, and a condiment depending on the mood — horseradish, cranberry sauce, or mint sauce if lamb is involved. I enjoy it slowly, taking my time and appreciating every bite.

Then come the leftovers — often the best part. My mum lovingly turns them into a hash, mixing everything together with a potato base. If that doesn’t happen, we pivot to cold meats — basically festive fridge grazing with confidence. No fancy names, just meals on repeat.

My daughter is deep into her advent calendar phase. Opening one tiny door each day, reacting like chocolate is a brand-new invention. Watching her delight in something so small reminds me that Christmas magic doesn’t need to be expensive or picture-perfect.

During the holidays, I let go of food guilt. Christmas isn’t about balance — it’s about comfort, leftovers, and eating whatever catches your eye in the fridge.

Christmas Meal

Christmas Movies (Always in the Background)

Our Christmas movies rotate on repeat — Mickey’s Christmas Carol, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (both the live-action and 2018 animated versions). They’re familiar, cozy, and perfect background noise.

Even though my daughter enjoys them, she rarely sits still for long. She’ll watch for a bit, then wander off to play with her toys, fully content. I love knowing the TV is background noise while she creates her own fun — a small parenting win.

Christmas with a toddler doesn’t look like sitting through a full movie. It looks like half-watched films, toys scattered everywhere, and someone asking for snacks five minutes after eating one.

Mickey Mouse Christmas

Quiet Moments and Gentle Memories

Amid the food and movies, there are quiet moments too.

I recently told my daughter about her great-grandmother on my mum’s side — someone who met her during the first year of her life via video calls from the UK. She would proudly tell people, “That’s my granddaughter and my great-granddaughter from Canada.”

My daughter is also excellent at spotting her grandad — my father — in photos. We lost him in 2021, but I love sharing stories about him. Sometimes I see her do something silly or cheeky and think, Yes… that definitely came from him.

These moments are gentle reminders that love doesn’t disappear — it simply shows up quietly in new ways.

Missing Loved One

A Gentle Reminder to Simplify Christmas

Christmas doesn’t need to be big to be meaningful.

Sometimes it’s overeating comfort food.
Other times it’s half-watched Christmas movies.
Toys may be scattered across the living room floor.
Memories can be held softly while new ones are made.

If you feel overwhelmed, take this as your sign to simplify. Eat the food. Rewatch the movies. Sit in the comfort of what’s familiar.

You’re doing enough — even on days fueled by leftovers, caffeine, and festive chaos.

Sometimes, a very real Christmas is exactly the one we need 🎄