The holiday season is a time filled with magic and joy. From twinkling lights to cozy moments with loved ones, there are countless magical moments that make this time of year truly special. One of the most magical holiday moments is when the first snowfall of the season occurs. There's something enchanting about the way fresh snow covers the ground, creating a winter wonderland. Children eagerly await the opportunity to build snowmen and have snowball fights, while adults appreciate the beauty and tranquility of a snowy landscape. Another magical moment is decorating the Christmas tree.
Another magical moment is decorating the Christmas tree. Whether it's a real or artificial tree, the act of hanging ornaments, lights, and garlands transforms a plain tree into a festive centerpiece. Each ornament holds its own significance or memory, making the decorating process a cherished tradition for many families.
Behind Every Magical Holiday Moment Is an Exhausted Mom
“Honey, do you know why Christmas is so magical?” My son and I are rolling out sugar cookie dough and cutting out shapes in advance of an annual cookie decorating night we host with friends in our neighborhood.
“Because of Santa?” he replies, sneaking a bite of raw dough.
“Nope. It’s because moms work hard to make it happen.”
I remember that feeling of magic as a kid: the anticipation of spending time with family, our favorite foods, and opening gifts filled me with more excitement than my tiny body could bear. As I moved into my teen and college years, I felt sad because I no longer believed in Santa and had started to clue into the tensions of the adults around me. The holidays seemed like a bummer.
Now, as a mom, I get to relive the wonder through my kids’ eyes. And I also realize why the holidays were so magical once upon a time—because my parents did everything in their power to make them that way. But that level of dedication comes at a cost, especially for me (and many other moms).
Over the past three years, my husband and I have been on a path to creating a more equitable relationship in our home when it comes to domestic tasks. But the holidays have always been more of a strain for me. He’s a teacher, often with similar holiday breaks to our kids. As a work-from-home mom with a flexible schedule, the holidays require me to bend my schedule until it almost breaks, and it heaps extra responsibilities onto my plate.
I walk a tightrope between enjoying holiday baking, shopping, decorating—and being exhausted from the additional work. I want to create magic for my kids and family, but I often resent that a holiday “break” is a break for everyone but me. And I feel like I’m not allowed to say this out loud because it makes me sound like some kind of Grinch.
AdvertisementA few years ago, I started taking a hard look at all of my domestic tasks and began to let go of the ones that no one was asking me to do and that no one else cared about. Folding laundry before putting it back in drawers? Gone. Dusting the baseboards? No more. Arranging a family photo shoot, ordering Christmas cards, organizing the addresses, and sending them out? Nope. I was sad to let this one go, but enough is enough. My house may be less “perfect,” but I am more at peace.
For years I pushed myself to the point of burnout trying to do it all with work, kids, and my home. In 2020 during the lockdown, our entire life was rearranged, and my husband and I were finally able to get to the root of the equity conversations in our home. Since then, I’ve had an easier time making domestic labor visible and pointing out when I’m pushing past my capacity.
I’m aware that I might come off as ungrateful or not fun. Mostly, I want my family to know that my time is valuable. That I’m choosing to spend my time creating magic and memories for them. That it does feel worth it, but it’s also still exhausting.
These days, my kids are old enough to be involved in some of the holiday preparations. Just last week, my twin 5-year-olds helped me measure, pour, and mix while creating an apple pie for Thanksgiving. Making food, buying gifts, and spending special time are all acts of love. I want to see them for what they are and I want to teach all of my kids—two boys and a girl—that it is worth spending our precious time to show love to others. The absolutely wild magic of it all is that we have each other, and that’s worth celebrating no matter the season.
Share This Article
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
- Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Copy (Opens in new window)
I walk a tightrope between enjoying holiday baking, shopping, decorating—and being exhausted from the additional work. I want to create magic for my kids and family, but I often resent that a holiday “break” is a break for everyone but me. And I feel like I’m not allowed to say this out loud because it makes me sound like some kind of Grinch.
The anticipation and excitement of Christmas morning cannot be overlooked. Waking up to find presents under the tree brings a sense of wonder and delight, reminiscent of childhood. The joy of giving and receiving gifts, coupled with the warmth of spending time with loved ones, creates a magical atmosphere that is unique to the holiday season. Holiday music also has the power to transport us to a different world. The melodies and lyrics of classic Christmas songs evoke feelings of nostalgia and happiness. Whether it's listening to carolers in the neighborhood or singing along to our favorite tunes at home, the music of the season has a way of bringing people together and spreading joy. Finally, one cannot forget the magic of holiday lights. From the dazzling displays of entire neighborhoods to the simple glow of candles in a window, holiday lights create a festive ambiance. They add warmth and cheer to the darkest months of the year, reminding us of the hope and joy that the holiday season brings. In conclusion, the holiday season is filled with magical moments that make this time of year so special. From the first snowfall to decorating the tree, the anticipation of Christmas morning, the music, and the lights, these moments bring joy and wonder to our lives. It's these magical holiday moments that remind us of the importance of love, togetherness, and the spirit of giving..
Reviews for "Welcoming the magic: Decor ideas for creating a festive holiday atmosphere"
1. Emily - 2 stars: I was really excited to watch "Magical Holiday Moments" based on the description and positive reviews, but I ended up feeling disappointed. The storyline was predictable and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with the characters. Additionally, the acting felt forced and unnatural, which took away from the overall enjoyment of the film. I was hoping for a heartwarming holiday movie, but unfortunately, this one fell flat for me.
2. Jason - 1 star: "Magical Holiday Moments" was a complete waste of time. The plot was incredibly cliché and offered nothing new or unique to the holiday movie genre. The acting was subpar, with characters delivering lines that felt forced and lacked genuine emotion. I was expecting a festive and heartwarming film, but instead, I found myself bored and uninterested throughout. Save yourself the trouble and avoid this movie.
3. Sarah - 2 stars: I had high hopes for "Magical Holiday Moments," but it failed to deliver. The plot was predictable and lacked creativity, making it feel like I had seen the same story a hundred times before. The performances were also lackluster, leaving me feeling disconnected from the characters and their supposed holiday spirit. Overall, the film felt like a generic attempt at cashing in on the holiday season, and I was left wanting more substance and originality.