It’s time again. Time for the lights and the trees and candy canes and tiny porcelain village homes. It’s time to shake off all that this year has thrown at me and come alive again. My favorite time of year is here and it’s time to make some magic.

My mom started the magic of Christmas for me when I was little, and I was infatuated with the joy that it brought to so many people. Loved ones come together and everything sparkles and people who don’t normally come to church are willing to join us in the pews. Everything is a little bit brighter. Neighbors are a little more helpful and everyone is a little bit kinder.

As a mom myself now, I get to bring the magic to my home. Every tree that I set up brings a new “wow” out of my toddler’s mouth and creates a new core memory in my mind. The little hands grabbing at the ornaments at the bottom are a dream fulfilled and more hope renewed as my own little miracle babies celebrate the miracle of Christmas.

Dear Mom, Everything I Do To Make Christmas Magical For My Kids is Because You Made it Magical For Me First

I know Christmas isn’t perfect, but it’s a reminder that we have a Father who is perfect, who lights up even the darkest of nights. When I walk into the living room and only the Christmas lights are illuminated, my heart swells at the glow. I come alive because there is a light at Christmas that doesn’t always shine throughout the rest of the year.

So hang the lights. Put up all the trees and let the kids place the ornaments in weird spots. Decorate now or wait until after Thanksgiving, but make sure that you give yourself time to feel the magic of Christmas. It’s not about what’s under the tree, but the magic that you make of the season.

Come alive with me this Christmas season.