The Christmas season doesn’t hold many happy childhood memories for me.

It wasn’t until I had children of my own that this time of year became something I looked forward to and grew to love.

Now I make it my mission every year to give them everything I never had as a child.

We go to the same tree farm every year right after Thanksgiving and cut down our tree together as a family. 

The kids always help my husband and me decorate the tree and the house.

We sing Christmas songs and bake cookies and make homemade eggnog. 

We drive around to see all the lights.

We go see Santa. 

We do Elf of the Shelf.

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I talk to my kids about Jesus and the true reason for celebrating Christmas. 

Each of my kids gets to go to the store with my husband or me t0 pick out a gift for their siblings and the other parent.

They learn about giving. 

We go through old toys and clothes every year before Christmas, and the kids pick things to donate to kids or families who can use them.

We bake a variety of cookies and other goods and give them out to our friends and neighbors. 

We watch ALL the Christmas movies!

We do milk and cookies left out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

We do a big Christmas dinner with all homemade dishes and several desserts. 

The kids get to help with the cooking and baking. 

My husband and I make sure there are plenty of presents under the tree for them every year. 

Always a few toys they really want because my kids only get new toys on birthdays or Christmas. We don’t buy things like that throughout the year. 

We also always get them each a few books, some coloring supplies, clothes, and other things they need.

I want them to experience all the magic, joy, and wonder this holiday season has to offer.

I want them to be surrounded by love.

I want them to look back on these times and smile, thinking of how wonderful Christmas was for them as children. 

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Maybe it’s a bit much.

Maybe I’m over the top and overdoing it.

Maybe people don’t agree. 

But this is what I want for my kids.

Because it’s all the things I never had.

It’s all the things I dreamed of when I was a kid myself. 

You can bet I’ll do everything in my power to provide the absolute best for my kids.

All year round obviously, but especially for any holidays. 

They’re worth every minute and penny spent.