I have always loved Christmas. The extra sparkle, the lights, the music, the cheer, the tradition…give me all the Christmas magic. Is it a lot? You bet. Would I trade any of it? Not a chance.
Christmas with kids is 100X more stressful and 1000X more worth it.
We are decking the halls, baking the cookies, buying all the gifts, and seeing all the lights. It is over-the-top. But it is also real-life magic.
There’s this blip in time when kids are young when we, as parents, get to craft their Christmas. We breathe life into imagination. We focus in on the giving. We are intentional about making each and every single person in our world feel special. We give freedom to dream and want and desire. We listen. We are together. We prioritize joy.
Being a parent is making space for all those tiny joys. Those small moments that transform family dynamics and create traditions. Those small moments that make kids feel seen and important. Those small moments that make us all believe in something bigger. Those small moments that are actually the big moments and memories that withstand time. Those small moments that are so priceless and life-giving that we are crazy enough to do it all over again the next year.
You cannot convince me there’s any better feeling than watching your kids come down the stairs Christmas morning, seeing their eyes light up, as they barrel towards you with the most giant hug and wide grin. Give me all the shopping lists, endless to-do’s, and late nights wrapping, if it means I can wake up to that each Christmas morning. I’ll choose it every single time.
Being Chief of Christmas is a lot. Most of the stress I bring on myself this time of year is because of too-high expectations, outrageous commitment to capitalistic ideals, and control freak behaviors. But even still, I’m committed. Any excuse to celebrate these kids and the life we’re building is all I need.
‘Tis the season! Merry Christmas, everyone!
I would love to hear about your favorite holiday traditions. Come share with me on Instagram!
With so much love and gratitude,
Am