Tis’ the season…it IS the most magical time of year! Just the other day I was having a conversation with Baylee and we were saying how time flies so fast that sometimes we don’t even have the time to ramp up the excitement of the holidays! Then she asked the million dollar question “Mom, who made the excitement when you were younger?” Well, that was an easy answer….my parents. Then she held me to it…. “Weren’t they just as busy?” and that was an easy answer……. “Yes. Yes, they were” and with that the conversation ended but I was reminded. I was reminded there were 5 of us growing up and the magic that I feel comes from a time and place where 2 individuals- very busy, working all the time, raising kids, chasing dreams MADE TIME without complaint only with JOY to make it magical for US.
I remember the smell of the giant chocolate chip cookie in the oven with walnuts (cause that’s what our Santa loved), I hear White Christmas in the background, maybe It’s a wonderful life, or One Magical Christmas….. I hear boxes being opened in the garage and tools being used to build something magical for us to see on Christmas morning. I hear the sounds of bells, trains, carousels, music boxes, and basically any Christmas gadget you can think of all playing at the same time. I close my eyes and still see my siblings and I sitting with wrapping paper all over, and those wires ties all over the floor with multiple of the same barbies so my older sister and I wouldn’t fight over which belonged to who…..and as I sit and remember, I remember that it is my turn.
I remember that the magic came from 2 parents trying their best to make memories that will last a lifetime and now it’s my turn. I remember memories so cherished that when I close my eyes there are tears streaming down my face and now it’s our turn to make them for our kids. I remember that when I first had Baylee, my dad looked at me and said, “Now it’s your turn.” So you know what?! Do it all. Bake the cookies (mine aren’t like my moms but I do try!), go to the party, move the elf, play the movies, drink way too much hot chocolate, order those last gifts that they will forget about in a week but in that moment it will be a CORE memory. Let your kids stay up late, let them eat the extra dessert, let them make the mess and yes, it will be there in the morning to clean up….but worry about it tomorrow because today only crosses our path once.
If you know the holidays around the Chin family, you will know it’s some pretty big shoes to fill and the suit is kind of swimming on me right now but I’ll grow into it….it just starts with a bit of peppermint love, hot chocolate swirls, a lot of “I Believe”, prayer, grace, and of course keeping Him at the center. My momma always says “why stress when the most important things get done anyway, so carry on with a smile.”
I look forward to watching the JOY shine from your smiles as you see your children in their finest moments of just being kids. I pray that the holiday season will keep you grounded in what’s really important-faith, family, and friends. May the Good Lord bless you and your family with CORE memories that bring tears to your eyes when that song comes on, a smile to your heart when you smell that decadent smell and a little jingle to your mingle when you see those you love.
It’s our turn to make it magical for them. If it doesn’t feel that way then it’s up to us to step up, step in and put on “the suit ” and don’t worry, I promise you…..it will fit perfectly.<3
Joy for each day and Peace for your Journey,
Miss Jennifer
