We hear about Christmas Magic, but what does that really mean? I don’t think it’s one thing, but rather the feelings created when many small moments come together.
It’s bringing out Christmas decorations that have become old friends.
It’s kindness as we see people being more generous and willing to help others.
It’s shoppers in the stores looking for the perfect gifts for the people they love.
It’s volunteers ringing bells for the Salvation Army and thanking folks who drop in a few coins or dollars.
It’s eating a peppermint candy cane.
It’s the countdown on the advent calendar.
It’s school, church and community choirs practicing for the Christmas concerts and plays.
It’s receiving Christmas cards in the mail from people we love and miss.
It’s seeing people and organizations in action spreading kindness and joy.
It’s lights and decorations that are up in our neighborhoods and towns.
It’s Christmas music in stores and churches and on the radio.
It’s hanging a wreath on our front door.
It’s putting up the Christmas tree.
It’s the ornaments on our trees in memory of loved ones who are no longer here.
It’s looking forward to and enjoying our family’s Christmas traditions.
It’s reading “A Cup of Christmas Tea” and “The Christmas Church” each year.
It’s the Christmas shows and movies on TV that we’ve seen countless times but watch again.
It’s fun Christmas events in our communities.
It’s the hum of conversation punctuated by laughter at our family gatherings.
It’s the smells of Christmas cookies baking and other Christmas favorites cooking.
It’s decorating cookies with our children or grandchildren.
It’s kissing someone special under the mistletoe.
It’s enjoying early morning coffee by the light of the Christmas tree.
It’s thoughts of loved ones from Christmases past.
It’s visiting a neighbor to spread some Christmas cheer.
It’s singing “Silent Night” with Christmas carolers who come to our door.
It’s visiting a friend or family member in the hospital or in a nursing home.
It’s working on a new Christmas puzzle.
It’s celebrating the season with our co-workers.
It’s coming up with creative (and naughty?) things for that elf to do each night!
It’s Christmas parties at school.
It’s planting an amaryllis bulb that will have beautiful blooms in January and February.
It’s lighting the candles on the advent wreath.
It’s going to Grandma’s house on Christmas Eve.
It’s going to church on Christmas Eve for the candlelight service and hearing the reading of Luke 2:1-14.
It’s reading “The Night Before Christmas” on Christmas Eve.
It’s putting out cookies for Santa.
It’s tracking Santa’s flight around the world on noradsanta.org
It’s seeing the childlike excitement and joy and wonder on the faces of children.
It’s seeing the happiness and contentment on the faces of our oldest family members because they get to be with the people they love the most.
It’s the good tired from staying up half the night putting gifts together for the kids.
It’s watching people we love unwrap their gifts.
It’s the wrapping paper and ribbons and bows decorating the floor after the presents are opened.
It’s celebrating the birth of Jesus with those we love the most.
It’s looking for the Christmas star in the sky Christmas night.
It’s the hugs and the “Merry Christmases” and the “I love yous” from those we hold most dear.
It’s the glass of wine or cup of warm cider with the one we love at the end of a wonderful Christmas.
Christmas magic is the warmth, meaning, and connection we create together during the Christmas season. Wishing you and yours the most magical Christmas!