There comes a moment in life when the innocence of childhood fades, taking with it the enchanting belief in Santa Claus. I vividly recall the bittersweet realization that Christmas would never hold the same charm it once did. The thrill of glancing at the sky on Christmas Eve, hoping to catch a glimpse of a sleigh dancing among the stars, was replaced with a sense of loss. The magical nights filled with the sounds of rustling wrappers and jingling bells were no longer part of my reality.
As the years passed, the holiday transformed into a more typical family gathering. My siblings would return to town, allowing us to reconnect with our cousins. We’d engage in playful wagers about which unsuspecting guest—usually a friend or date—would succumb to the turkey my grandmother “stored” on the porch, or who would be the first to succumb to her infamous homemade eggnog. There were brunches, movie marathons, gift cards, and wish lists, but the enchantment had undeniably vanished. No longer were there eager leaps out of bed at dawn, nor joyous shrieks at the sight of soot-stained boot prints by the fireplace. Even the cookies lacked their former sweetness. I resigned myself to this reality, recognizing it as a part of growing up.
Then, recently, I found myself in the car, playfully wagging my finger at my kids in the backseat, grinning broadly as I sang along to the radio, “You better be good for goodness sake!”—a classic mom moment that would have made my teenage self cringe. In that instant, something clicked. I was jolted by a wave of holiday cheer that I thought had long since faded.
It dawned on me then: the magic had returned. My children, overflowing with pure belief and joy, exude an infectious energy that envelops everyone around them during the holidays. Their excitement is palpable—from the way their eyes light up at the sight of marshmallows in hot chocolate or sprinkles on cookies, to the way they clutch my hand nervously as they approach Santa Claus. They stand in awe, their faces aglow as they admire the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree, whispering, “I just love it.” It’s in the twirl of a festive skirt, the sticky peppermint residue on their faces after indulging in candy canes, and the sheer delight they exhibit upon discovering a new Christmas card in the mail.
This uninhibited joy and unwavering belief that define childhood are powerful and inspiring. It reminds us that we should strive to embrace this sense of wonder in our lives. I wish for everyone to rediscover that spirit this year, especially since I’ve felt its absence for far too long.
This holiday season, take a moment to savor the shimmering lights and ornaments as if you are experiencing them for the very first time. Treat yourself to the sugary delights of the season. Allow the magic that dances through the air to envelop you, much like the gentle snowflakes that fall from the sky. Reawaken your belief—in anything: Santa, love, faith, or simply in one another.
Let your children guide you through the true essence of this season. Allow them to remind you of what you once cherished, perhaps many years ago, with a conviction that remains unshakeable. There will come a time when they, too, may no longer marvel at the enchantment of the holidays. So embrace this gift while you can; it feels wonderful to be reconnected to that magic.
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In summary, my children have rekindled the magic of Christmas within me, reminding us all to embrace the joy and wonder that this season brings, as we navigate the transitions of life.