This time of year has a way of taking us back in time. A familiar song, the smell of wood burning in the fireplace, the taste of hot chocolate overloaded with marshmallows remind us of joyful memories from the past. But it’s not the things that make the holiday memories so special, it’s the loved ones we make the memories with.
One of my favorite family traditions growing up was the day we would go get our Christmas tree. For as long as I can remember we always picked a live Christmas tree. Whether it was from the Dillons grocery store parking lot or the local Christmas tree farm, it didn’t matter. The time spent with my mom and dad was what I enjoyed the most. Decorating the tree was a family affair and it was so fun to hear about the memories or meaning held by each ornament.
Now that I have my own family, we have carried on the tradition of picking out a live tree and this year I let my 4-year-old daughter help decorate. Our tree isn’t exactly Pinterest worthy, with half of the ornaments hanging on one side of the tree. But that doesn’t matter or equate to the joy I had, seeing the excitement on my daughter’s face as she asked about each ornament.
Our Elf on the Shelf, Buttercream, showed up again this year. And after the first few days I was second guessing my thoughts of inviting her back to our house, waking up at 2 a.m. to make sure “she had moved” because I forgot to check that off before I went to bed. But what fun it has been, to have my daughter come running in each morning, asking me to come help her find her elf. The giggles and surprised looks remind me each morning that it’s worth it.
Something I’m looking forward to this Christmas is making homemade caramels with my grandmother, it’s a recipe that’s been in our family for generations. I don’t remember a Christmas where she didn’t have them sitting out for us ready to devour! And we don’t get back to my grandma’s very often, especially now that we’re 8+ hours away. I’m looking forward to catching up with her.
All this to say, now that I’m a mom, I’ve come to understand just how precious the gift of time truly is. We get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this short season and sometimes forget what matters most. Your presence really does mean more than your presents.
My hope this season is that each of us slows down long enough to savor the simple moments and the people who make them meaningful. And no matter where you find yourself this Christmas, may you remember and celebrate the true meaning of the season—the birth of Jesus Christ. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Kylie Reiss can be reached at [email protected].
