Gingerbread Houses and the Heart of the Holidays

Holidays aren’t about perfection — they’re about connection.

In just a few weeks… Christmas will be here. Two days full of family, friends, activities, gifts, and food. So much food.

When my kids were little, I hosted all the holiday gatherings. It was a ton of work, sure, but honestly… it was easier to have everyone at my place. There was something special about bringing people together.

Then life changed. I moved farther away, so hosting wasn’t in the cards any longer. Other family members started taking over.

But here’s the thing about my house. It’s always been open. It didn’t matter who you were — if you needed a place to feel welcome, you had one.

Holidays (or really any day) weren’t about the fancy trappings or extravagant spreads. They were about having people around… feeling connected. That hasn’t changed. My home’s still open for anyone who needs it.

This year again, Christmas Eve is back at my place. Family, parents, my sister-in-law… whoever else decides to drop by.

And as always, our evening includes an activity. This year, it’s gingerbread houses. Last year, it was sugar cookie decorating.

I can still hear the moans and groans from some last year — “Do we have to?” But by the end of the night? Everyone was laughing, showing off their cookies, gathering their favorites to take home.

That’s what the holidays are really about… the experiences.

It’s About the Little Things

When I look back on past holidays, I don’t remember the perfectly cooked turkey or the Pinterest-worthy tablescapes. What sticks with me are the moments. The laughs, the stories, the inside jokes we still tell years later.

Here’s the truth: people don’t crave perfection. They crave connection.

Whether it’s sharing coffee with a friend, hosting a big holiday dinner, or even attending a business event — what sticks with us isn’t the food or the venue. It’s the way we felt… the connections we made.

So how can we create those moments? Here are a few ideas to make your gatherings stand out — and stick in people’s hearts:

3 Outside-the-Box Ways to Foster Connection

1. Create a Collaborative Element

Skip the elaborate presentations and invite everyone to contribute. Instead of you making the perfect meal, try a build-your-own taco bar, pizza night, or even a potluck where everyone shares a dish tied to a personal story.

It’s not about the food — it’s about giving people a chance to bring something of themselves to the table (literally).

2. Add a Personalized Touch

Think beyond generic. Ask guests to write down one favorite memory from the past year and drop it into a decorative jar. It could be something funny, heartwarming, or even unexpected. Throughout the evening, take turns reading the memories (anonymously or with names, depending on comfort levels).

This activity gets everyone sharing laughs and stories, and it’s a great way to reflect on the year while learning something new about each other. Plus, you can keep the jar as a keepsake!

3. Host a Low-Stakes Competition

Nothing gets people bonding like a bit of friendly rivalry. Whether it’s decorating gingerbread houses, playing trivia, or competing in a board game tournament, a lighthearted contest gets everyone laughing and engaging. Bonus: it creates shared memories people will talk about for years.

Community Is a Mindset

Building meaningful relationships doesn’t have to be tied to the holidays. It’s a mindset you can nurture year-round. Here are a few ways to embrace connection in your everyday life:

• Invite Spontaneity: Sometimes the best moments aren’t planned. Be the person who texts a friend last-minute for coffee or drops by with cookies just because.

• Be a Connector: Introduce people in your circles who might have something in common. Few things feel better than a new friendship or collaboration.

• Lean into Vulnerability: Real connection happens when we’re willing to let people in. Share your wins, but also your struggles. It shows others they can do the same.

Connections Over Perfections

The holidays aren’t about perfection — they’re about connection. The mess, the noise, the imperfections… they’re the things that make a gathering feel alive.

So this year, don’t stress about the little things. Open your home, invite people in, and create moments that matter. Because in the end, that’s what we’ll remember.

It doesn’t take much to make someone feel welcome. And when we do that — when we focus on the connections instead of the perfection — we create something far more lasting.