This time of year, my brain is swirling with lists:
- Spirit week for FOUR! (For context, I work at a school, my oldest is in school, and we have two little ones in daycare.)
- Grocery lists
- Taking the kids to see a holiday lights display
- Christmas gifts to buy
- Christmas gifts to wrap
- Coordinating sitters for a night out with friends to a local holiday pop-up
- Figuring out which "Breakfast with Santa" event to attend
- Planning allllll the outfits for said events
- To-do lists for work
- ... And a never-ending list of all the other things
Sometimes, the sheer volume of lists becomes overwhelming, and instead of feeling productive, I end up more disorganized.
Last night, as I attempted to check something off my to-do list, I glanced into the living room at my kiddos. Peacefully snuggling with my husband, admiring the stockings and Christmas tree. Patiently waiting before we rushed out the door for a holiday performance, they talked about Santa's upcoming visit. For a brief moment, no one was fighting. They were simply trying to get as close to him—and to each other—as possible. In that instant, I realized they were teaching me a lesson. I needed to stop worrying about the lists and be present with them.
As the holidays approach, I'm reminding myself that they grow up too fast. This is Owen's first Christmas, and quite possibly the last Christmas where we'll have a baby present. I want to cherish the magic of this season through their eyes.
There's so much magic to be found, if we slow down enough to see it!
As 2025 draws near, we’re excited to bring even more family fun! But for now, take a moment to enjoy the snuggles and see the magic of Christmas through your children's eyes. Slow down. The lists will get done eventually.
Warmly,
Brittany Marsh,
A version of this article was originally authored by Katy Agro Myers in 2018 and has been revised and updated by myself, Bittany Marsh, your local Macaroni KID Publisher and ChatGPT.
