The Importance of Margin: How to Slow Down and Enjoy the Holidays

This time of year has a way of sweeping us up in a whirlwind of events (oh so many!), to-do lists, end-of-year deadlines, and family commitments. Between school celebrations, winter sports, holiday gatherings, and the general push to “finish strong,” it can feel like we’re sprinting through a season that was never meant to be rushed.

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But here’s the truth we often forget: life feels different when there’s margin.

Margin is the quiet space between responsibilities. It’s the breathing room that allows the sights, sounds, and sweetness of family time to actually sink in. It’s what lets us enjoy the moment instead of just completing the moment. Without margin, even the things we love like decorating the tree, baking cookies, watching our kids shine in their activities can start to feel like another box to check off.

And that’s not how memories are made.

Parents especially need margin. We’re the ones managing logistics, supporting emotional needs, trying to maintain traditions, and holding the whole household steady. We want to experience the joy of the season, but we often find ourselves doing so much that we barely notice it passing by.

Margin gives us permission to slow down long enough to truly savor what matters.

Sometimes that margin looks like saying no to one more event, even if it’s a good one. Sometimes it means intentionally creating downtime at home; pajamas, popcorn, a movie, and no agenda. And sometimes, margin means slipping away for a night with your spouse to catch your breath.

Yes… even in the middle of a Holiday weekend.
Yes… even when it feels like the busiest season of the year.
And yes… without feeling guilty about it, even when the kids lay on the guilt trip.

Because the truth is, your kids benefit when you’re restored, not running on fumes. Your marriage benefits when you reconnect, not just coordinate. And your family culture grows stronger when joy isn’t forced, it’s felt.

The beauty of living in a place like Pensacola is that we’re surrounded by what others travel hours to enjoy. White sands, glowing sunsets, quiet coastal mornings, cozy local restaurants, and serene spaces to unwind. You don’t need a weeklong getaway. Sometimes a simple overnight staycation or a slow morning by the water is enough to reset your soul.

Doug and I took advantage of our beautiful beaches this weekend and stayed Friday night at the Pensacola Beach Resort in a gulf-side room. “Come as you are. Leave Happier” is their tagline and boy did we. Needless to say, the door to the balcony was rarely closed as the sound of crashing waves is one of our favorite sounds. We arrived just after 5pm so even though we missed the sunset, the glow of the sun sinking below the horizon was still painting a beautiful orange and purple masterpiece.

We settled in, spent some time on the balcony, enjoyed catching up after a busy few weeks and then

headed over to The Grand Marlin for dinner where we indulged in BBQ Oysters, Seafood Gumbo, Swordfish Oreganata, the Grilled 1855 Angus Ribeye, and of course the TGM Praline Basket to top things off. Did we just

enjoy feasting on a hearty Thanksgiving meal the day before? Yes. Did we eat almost every bite at The Grand Marlin? Also yes. Don’t judge. Good food is our love language.

The next morning, at 6 am (no lie), Doug and I are both awakened to a beeping sound. I grabbed my phone, then realized it was the hotel alarm clock waking me up. With a fair amount of grumbling I figured out how to turn it off and turned over to fall back asleep. Instead, I caught a glimpse of an even more magnificent view than we saw the evening before. It was as if God himself set that alarm clock to show off His creation.

In that moment, I was thankful for early morning wake-up and the beauty we beheld. I call these God-winks. It’s not until we’re still, and have margin, that we can notice these special moments.

We spent the rest of the morning strolling Palafox Market, having lunch at The Dog House, and tasting olive oil and picking our favorite at Bodacious. The best part about the entire weekend was being together, unrushed, enjoying much needed margin.

Margin isn’t laziness. It’s wisdom. It’s recognizing that busy doesn’t always equal meaningful. And during a season where we’re encouraged to be joyful, generous, and present… we can’t embody those things when we’re stretched paper-thin.

So give yourself the gift of space. Build it in intentionally. Allow the season to breathe a little. Take in the moments not just as tasks, but as treasures.

Because margin doesn’t just make the holidays more enjoyable.
It makes you a healthier, happier, more grounded parent.