Christmas Magic

The holiday season is often synonymous with joy, togetherness, and a touch of magic. But for many moms, it can also bring immense pressure—the pressure to make everything perfect. Perfect decorations, perfect meals, perfect traditions, perfect gifts. The list seems endless. Social media only amplifies this pressure, with picture-perfect holiday posts that can make us feel like we're falling short if every moment of our season isn't Instagram-worthy.

I’ve written before about how important it is to adjust our expectations and let go of the need for perfection during the holidays. But this year, I’ve been reflecting on something even more profound. As much as I pour my heart into creating holiday magic for my girls, I’ve realized just how much magic they’ve created for me in return.

Rediscovering Christmas Magic

Before I became a mom, Christmas wasn’t something I looked forward to. Losing my mom at a young age had stripped much of the joy and excitement from the season. For years, I couldn’t bring myself to listen to Christmas music or immerse myself in the festivities. I’d avoid it all until December 25th, when the day itself demanded acknowledgment.

And then came my girls.

Without even knowing it, they brought the magic back into my life. Their wide-eyed wonder and uncontainable excitement for the season slowly began to thaw the parts of me that had grown cold to the holidays. Now, Christmas is no longer something I endure—it’s something I celebrate. We dance to Christmas music in the living room, bake cookies while sneaking bites of dough, and savor the small, silly traditions that make this time of year so special.

The Gift of Perspective

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of the holidays and lose sight of what truly matters. But when I see the way my girls light up over the simplest things—stringing lights, decorating cookies, or hearing their favorite holiday song—I’m reminded of what the season is really about. It’s not about flawless decorations or extravagant gifts. It’s about connection, joy, and gratitude.

For me, making the holidays magical for my girls is more than just creating cherished memories for them; it’s my way of thanking them. Thanking them for restoring the magic I thought I’d lost forever. Thanking them for reminding me that joy can be found in the simplest moments. Thanking them for bringing light back into a season that had once felt so dark.

Embracing Imperfection

If you’re a mom feeling the weight of holiday expectations, I want you to know this: your kids don’t need perfect. They don’t need the Pinterest-perfect tree or the most expensive toys. What they’ll remember is the way you made them feel. The laughter you shared while baking cookies, the way you sang Christmas songs together at the top of your lungs, the warm hugs during movie nights.

The magic of the holidays doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from love. And as moms, we have an incredible opportunity to create that love—and to receive it in return. My girls have shown me that, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

So this holiday season, let’s try to let go of the pressure to make everything perfect. Let’s embrace the imperfections, find joy in the chaos, and remember that the real magic lies in the moments we create together. After all, the holidays are just as much about the magic our kids bring to us as they are about the magic we bring to them.

Here’s to a season filled with love, gratitude, and a little bit of beautifully messy magic.