The holiday season is magical, especially for families. Twinkling lights, the smell of fresh-baked cookies, and the sound of favorite Christmas carols fill the air with wonder and joy. As parents, we work hard to create that magic—shopping for gifts, organizing family get-togethers, and ensuring every little detail feels perfect. But in the hustle to make the season unforgettable for our children, we can sometimes forget to savor the magic ourselves.
This year, let’s change that.
The joy of Christmas isn’t just in creating magical moments for our kids; it’s in sharing them. It’s in sitting down to play that board game we gave them, snuggling up on the couch for a Christmas movie marathon, or having a spontaneous sing-along to Christmas songs in the kitchen. These are the moments that make memories—for them and for us.
Remember to Pause
The Christmas to-do list can feel endless: wrapping presents, mailing cards, baking cookies, and attending family events. But amid the chaos, we can forget to simply pause and soak in the joy of what we’ve created. When was the last time you truly listened to your child’s excitement as they shared their Christmas wishlist or joined them in their awe of a sparkling tree?
It’s okay to set aside the checklist for a while. The cookies can wait. The wrapping paper doesn’t have to be perfect. Take a moment to breathe, sit with your family, and enjoy the little things this Christmas.
Be Part of the Magic
As parents, we often take on the role of magic-makers—the behind-the-scenes heroes who ensure the stockings are filled, the traditions upheld, and the memories made. But don’t forget: you deserve to be part of that magic, too. Your presence in these moments matters just as much as the effort you’ve put into them. Don’t be so focused on making the perfect Christmas season happen that you take yourself right out of it!
Join the fun. Play the silly holiday games. Build the gingerbread house, even if it’s crooked and covered in too much frosting! Let yourself be present for the magic, not just the work that goes into creating it. Your kids will remember you more than the perfectly staged Christmas morning.
Make Time for Connection
One of the most meaningful gifts we can give our children is our time. Take a break from the holiday rush to connect with them. Sit down together to write letters to Santa, go for a family drive to look at Christmas lights, or cozy up under a blanket for storytime by the tree. These moments of connection are what truly make the season special. Think back to the favorite part of the holidays when you were younger; we doubt it was about getting just the right gift!
And it’s not just about connecting with your kids. This is a season of togetherness, so take time to reconnect with your spouse, your extended family, and even yourself. A quiet cup of cocoa after the kids are in bed can be just as magical as the loud, bustling moments of the day.
A Season to Love
Christmas is about more than gifts and to-do lists. It’s about the shared joy, the warmth of family, and the wonder in every little moment. This year, as you work hard to create a magical Christmas for your children, remember to savor the magic yourself.
You’ve worked so hard to make this season special—now it’s time to let yourself enjoy it. Be present. Be playful. Be part of the magic. Great job making the magic happen Mom and Dad, now go and enjoy it!
