A Magical Christmas :: An Appreciation For The Mom Who Made It Special
As an adult, I often find myself reflecting on the cherished memories of Christmases past. Each holiday season, the warmth and wonder of my childhood Christmases come rushing back, and it’s impossible not to feel a profound sense of gratitude for the woman who made it all possible – my mom. Oddly enough, she is not fully captivated by all things Christmas. She prefers to sing carols in July and to skip the frenzy the holidays can bring. However, like most things regarding my mom, she is always selfless in taking stellar care of others, meticulously attending to their needs and interests. She always gave me the freedom to dream big, embrace wonder, and be innovative. Her dedication, creativity, and love were the secret ingredients that transformed this time of year into a magical wonderland.
One of the first signs that Christmas was approaching was the gradual transformation of our home into a winter wonderland.
From the journey of picking our live Christmas tree that took center stage in our living room, to the intricate decor that had to be just so, my mom’s dedication to making our house festive was extraordinary. I can still recall the excitement of unboxing the ornaments and my grandmother’s Santas, each with its own unique story, and the joy of carefully hanging them on the tree.
The house didn’t just look like Christmas; it felt like it too.
The kitchen was the heart of our holiday celebrations, where my mom’s love for baking shone brightly. The aroma of Christmas rocks (our family tradition), freshly baked cakes, and cinnamon rolls wafting through the house was a testament to her culinary prowess. These treats weren’t just delicious; they were a labor of love, a testament to her dedication to making every moment special. In many cases, she helped prepare these dishes after over 12-hour shifts as a registered nurse.
My mom had a knack for gift-giving. She had an uncanny ability to choose presents that were thoughtful, meaningful, and reflective of our individual personalities. The joy she took in seeing our faces light up when we unwrapped her carefully selected gifts was priceless. She reminded us that the true magic of Christmas wasn’t in the gifts themselves, but in the love and thought that went into them.
Perhaps the most remarkable gift my mom gave us during the holiday season was the ability to believe in the magic of Christmas and the importance of family.
She nurtured our sense of wonder, and we truly believed in the spirit of the season. Whether it was the excitement of discovering presents from Santa under the tree or the enchanting beauty of the first and very occasional snowfall, she made me feel like we were living in a fairytale.
As an adult, I now understand the immense effort, time, and love that went into creating those magical Christmases. It wasn’t just about decorations or presents; it was about the love and dedication that my mom poured into every detail. She gave me more than just material gifts; she gave us the gift of enchantment, tradition, and the feeling that anything was possible during this special time of year.
Now, as I continue to celebrate Christmas with my own family, I strive to carry forward the legacy of magic and wonder that my mom gifted to me. I’ve learned that the true enchantment of Christmas lies in the love we share, the traditions we uphold, and the effort we put into making the season magical for those we hold dear.
