It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas—actually, it’s sunny and 60 and I’m enjoying what is probably the last burst of beautiful weather before things take a turn towards frigid Midwest winter! As the seasons change, I always find myself reflecting on what made the holiday season memorable to me growing up, and how I can make things special for my own family now.
Everyone is growing so fast. This year, our children are 9, 7 and 4 and I’m so aware that over the next few years the magic of Christmas will shift away from the simplicity that comes with childhood innocence, into everything that comes with big kid and preteen territory. For now, though, our crew still looks towards the sky on Christmas Eve, listens for the sound of sleigh bells and wakes us up before the sun on Christmas Morning, to sit by twinkling lights.
I try not to get caught up in unrealistic expectations or comparisons. In the age of social media that can be challenging, but there’s no ‘keeping up with the jones’ around here. For us the holiday season is about spending time together, creating memories and carrying on new and old traditions. Thinking back to my own adolescence, the things I loved the most about the holiday season were the meals we made & the traditions we held close year after year.
I can’t for the life of me remember what gifts were under the tree (okay, except that one limited edition Beanie Baby…I remember that one). No, the things I remember are watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on TV while my mom cooked a delicious meal, those special things we only ate once or twice a year. Watching a Christmas movie while we set up the tree. I loved sorting the branches by size and color and watching eagerly as my mom pulled out the ornament boxes. I absolutely adoredlooking through our ornaments year after year, sifting through treasures from both my mother’s childhood and mine. I made sure to be so gentle with each one. I remember getting to place the angel on top of the tree, hot cocoa and driving around to look at Christmas lights. I remember how magical life felt then, and truth be told I still check the sky on Christmas Eve…just in case. I hope to pass that magic down to my own children.
As the inevitable stress of the holidays draw closer, please remember that what makes this time special truly is spending time with your people and making memories. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, in fact the most memorable moments tend to be the slow and simple ones. Watch your favorite movies, read your favorite books, bake cookies, look through old photos. Share hugs, kisses and I-love-you’s.
From my family to yours,
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & Fabulous New Year!
-Mom Seeking Coffee // Jennifer Osborn
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