Nofred Journals - Special Christmas Edition

CHRISTMAS STORIES

A Christmas of Cold Cheeks, Warm Blankets and Childhood Traditions

Kelsey Hettinga is a stay at home mother and lifestyle photographer living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her two children, Ledger and Stori. She has consciously chosen to homeschool, opting for a slower rhythm where home becomes the primary scene of childhood. Through both family life and photography, she focuses on presence, repetition and the quiet, in-between moments that often matter most.

@kelseyhettinga

Dancing to the Nutcracker, playing in the snow and ending the day wrapped in a warm blanket by the tree — the simple moments Kelsey hopes will last.

This December, we spoke with stay-at-home mother and lifestyle photographer Kelsey Hettinga about experiencing Christmas through her children’s eyes and creating a calm, child-friendly holiday at home.

What are you most looking forward to this Christmas?

"I get so excited seeing the wonder and excitement through my kids’ eyes. Christmas always feels magical, but it feels extra extra special doing it with them.

I think it’s important to slow down and be present .Soaking up all the cozy movie nights, baking cookies, decorating, making crafts, wrapping presents and making hot cocoa! It’s all so sweet and special and I’ve never felt more excited for Christmas than now as a mama doing it with my kids."

How has your idea of Christmas changed since becoming a parent?

"I really just want to create memories for my kids and see Christmas through their eyes. It’s special to share the meaning of Christmas with them and what the season is really about.
Instead of focusing on everything we want to do, remembering that being together — even on the messy, exhausting days is what matters most."

"I hope my kids remember being wrapped in a blanket by the tree, and most of all, the feeling of togetherness."

Are there any traditions you’ve carried on from your own childhood?

"Growing up, my parents wrapped the entrance to our living room with wrapping paper and we had to wait until everyone woke up to burst through and see the tree with all the presents underneath. This year, we’re bringing that tradition into our own Christmas morning.

We also love adding a special ornament to the tree, baking cookies, and getting special Christmas jammies which we always did growing up. The kids each have their own special Christmas mug which is something my parents did for us growing up and they feel so special having hot cocoa from it."

How do you involve your children in the idea of gratitude and giving?

"We love involving the kids. We talk about the meaning of Christmas and the gift of Jesus in our lives.

We let them pick out presents for each other and think of something they can make or give to us as parents. Welcoming friends into our home and letting the kids help prepare and serve has become a simple way to teach generosity."

“I get so excited seeing the wonder and excitement through my kids’ eyes.”

What do you hope your children will remember most about Christmas growing up?

"I hope they remember how cozy and magical it felt. The time together, the feeling of family and love in our home.

Dancing to the nutcracker and letting the whimsy of Christmas magic take over our home. I hope they remember decorating the tree, baking cookies, and the smell of the fresh air outside and the warmth of coming inside after a long play in the snow. I hope they remember how it feels to be wrapped in a blanket together by the Christmas tree. Mostly I hope they remember the feeling of togetherness."

What are your top three tips for creating a calm, child-friendly Christmas?

"1. Plan time at home just for your small family. It can be easy to get swept away with gatherings and to do lists, but making sure you have some sacred time at home is so important!

2. Let the kids help with cooking, decorating and preparing. Let them decorate and have their little imprint on the season. The tree might be adorned a little lopsided, but those will be the things you look back and smile on. It’s all part of the magic.

3. Create a cozy atmosphere with soft lighting, candles and music. Let the house get a little messy. It’s easy to get caught up in all of it, but slowing down and really being present is the most memorable thing."

Kelsey’s favourite Christmas reads

Books are part of the family’s December rhythm — read again and again.

A LITTLE EXTRA CHRISTMAS INSPIRATION

Photography brings Kelsey both joy and purpose. She has an eye for the tender, in-between moments of love, motherhood and family life — images that feel intimate, honest and lived-in.

SEE KELSEY'S PHOTOGRAPHY