Oh the traditions and the rush of this season (and this life, really).

I am continuing to learn the sacred act of choosing myself, and choosing my family over seasonal performance. To choose what really works for us and fills us up, instead of chasing an idea of what this time is supposed to look like. Interestingly, when I ask my kids about their favorite parts about Christmas, it’s never how much time I put into a meal or what the tree looks like or how many decorations are dotted throughout the house.

It usually goes a little something like this…

“Do you remember when we went to pick out the tree and mom almost fell over the tree stands??”

“Oh, I love chocolate covered cherries…are we making those?”

“I don’t remember the Christmas villages, don’t worry about those…can we put our train around the tree?”

“Let’s watch Mickey’s A Christmas Carol….no, I don’t want to go to the downtown Christmas parade.”

“I don’t care what we eat, except for the dressing. I want the dressing.”

“My list is long enough…I don’t need a bunch of stuff. I really want the shoes.”

Do you see the common thread? It’s just a few things that stick out. It is a few things that matter, or hold weight and memory. Mamas…and dads….we don’t have to kill ourselves to create a little magic this season or any other. It always goes back to this: Love. Love them well, hold them closely, look at them with wonder. Sprinkle your very favorite traditions in, but never mistake missing the most important part of Christmas. Love came humbly to earth and a star shown brightly. A manger welcomed the God of the universe in, and asked us gently to help keep the Star shining. Love your people. Be with them. Spread Love to anyone you encounter, and view this time as a teacher, and a chance to let loose a little magic into the world.

That’s all. That’s all you have to do.

Love to you,

S.