The Magic of December

There is something about December that feels different from every other month of the year. Everything slows down just a bit, the air feels cozier, and the season feels filled with comfort, nostalgia, and a little extra sparkle. December invites us to gather close, lean into tradition, and believe in something magical. Christmas magic lives in the traditions I return to year after year.

My Favorite Christmas Movies:

Elf

The Grinch

Christmas Vacation

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Home Alone

A Charlie Brown Christmas

From Christmas classics to family favorites, these Christmas movies bring lots of laughter and smiles to hte holiday season.

Christmas Songs I Love (Too Many to Name):

White Christmas by Bing Crosby

Frosty the Snowman by Willie Nelson

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Gene Autry

Christmas in Heaven by Scotty McCreery

Silent Night by Reba McEntire

I Still Believe in Christmas by Anne Wilson

Let There Be Peace by Carrie Underwood

O Holy Night by Carrie Underwood

The Prayer by Natalie Grant

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town by Frank Sinatra

From background noise while wrapping presents to singing along on a frosty night, Christmas music always brings me joy.

The Smells of the Season:

Warm vanilla sugar

Cookies fresh from the oven

Pumpkin bread

Wassail simmering on the stove

These scents wrap the house in cinnamon-spiced warmth and instantly signal that Christmas is near.

Decorations That Hold Meaning:

One of my favorite traditions goes back to when I was younger helping decorate the Christmas tree with ornaments that were each unique and special. Now, I have a small orange tree in my room where ornaments with special meaning live. The ornaments I cherish most are from my Grandpa and my aunt, both of whom have passed. Seeing these ornaments reminds me that memories never fade.

Christmas Traditions:

Tracking Santa’s location on Christmas Eve

Reindeer food

Milk and cookies for Santa

Church

Stuffing and stamping Christmas cards

Baking cookies

Driving around looking at lightsQuality time with family

Christmas mornings filled with excitement

Sucking on candy canes while listening to Christmas stories

Reliving childhood magic through my lil’ cousins

Even at 31, I still believe in Christmas magic and it’s especially fun to relive a bit of childhood through my cousins. Asking them what they want from Santa, calling the North Pole, and watching their eyes light up reminds me just how powerful belief can be.

December is also a time for remembering loved ones like my Grandude and honoring the memories that make this season feel meaningful. The Christmas season blends joy, reflection, faith, and togetherness in the most beautiful way.

Christmas magic never grows old. It reminds us that we are all children at heart- a season to reminisce, to gather close, and to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

No matter how old I get, I will always believe.

Merry Christmas!