It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year

It’s that time of year in the US when anything and everything looks like Christmas — and honestly, call me basic, but I love it. As I’ve been on this journey of discovering new things about myself, I’m learning to pay attention to the simple joys I used to overlook. And Christmas has always been one of those things that awakens my inner child.

There’s something magical about this season that brings that younger version of me back to life. The little girl who would light up at the sight of the tree, watching the bulbs glisten as Christmas music played softly in the background. The one who savored homemade cookies and chocolate-covered pretzels like they were treasures. These small things carried so much joy in my childhood — and they still do.

For me, the Christmas season has always been a reminder of joy, laughter, and family. It was the time of year when everyone gathered: cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, parents, and siblings — all under one roof. We had our traditions: favorite Christmas movies, board games, conversations by the fireplace, snack plates filled with holiday treats, and even our competitive tradition of hiding the pickle ornament. It was also where my enjoyment of jazz music began, as we always played soft jazz in the background for my grandfather. It was a time of year that brought us closer and filled our home with a kind of warmth nothing else could.

One of my favorite memories was visiting the tree farm with my parents and brother. We’d hike through the snow searching for the perfect tree, then warm up in the lodge with hot cider and a gingerbread cookie. Before leaving, my parents always let us choose one ornament to add to the tree. Today, they have an entire bin of those ornaments — each one holding a memory, a moment, a piece of our story.

It’s memories like these that make me feel like this truly is the most wonderful time of year. I also recognize that not everyone experiences the season this way — especially when holidays bring reminders of loss, change, or times that feel different than before. I recently went through a season like that myself, and it wasn’t easy. There’s a natural feeling of sadness, or simply not wanting to carry on every tradition exactly as you did before — and that’s okay. You don’t have to force yourself to celebrate the way you once did. Slowly, those traditions will start to feel like home again, but in a new way.

At the same time, the Christmas season is filled with small, meaningful moments and traditions — whether it’s picking out a tree, hanging a favorite ornament, baking cookies, or simply sitting by the fire with loved ones. These rituals, no matter how small, offer us an opportunity to notice light, love, and joy — to reconnect with the part of ourselves that feels wonder, excitement, and delight. Each tiny spark, each intentional moment, can awaken our inner child, reminding us of what makes life feel magical and alive.

Sometimes joy doesn’t arrive in big celebrations — it comes in tiny sparks we choose to notice.

Reflection Questions:

• What small, simple moments from your childhood still bring you joy today?

• Which holiday traditions (old or new) reconnect you to who you are at your core?