The holidays wouldn’t be the holidays without my mom. Ever since I can remember, she’s been the heart and soul of our family’s Christmas traditions. She’s the one who fills the house with warmth. From the twinkling lights and holiday decorations to the smell of fresh-baked sugar cookies, she pours her whole heart into making the season special. Every year, she spends countless hours decorating, baking, and shopping for the perfect holiday gift for nearly everyone we know.
Some of my most cherished memories are the ones spent with her around the holidays. The joy of being together, of sharing the simple moments, has always been what made Christmas feel magical. In recent years, my mom has secretly been running a tie blanket sweat factory out of our dining room. Her so-called employees? My dad and I. Every year, I love helping her pick out the perfect material for all of our friends and family. There was one year when we made nearly 25 tie blankets. My dad and I would help her from right after school and work until almost 11 p.m. every night leading up to Christmas. It was exhausting, yes, but I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.
My mom makes the holidays what they are — she creates the magic, the joy, and the love that fills our home. And while others in the family may tease her about the “Christmas explosion” that takes over our house, the truth is, she’s the one who makes everything feel warm and alive. The laughter, the traditions, the endless little details — none of it would happen without her. She may not always get the recognition she deserves, but I’m beyond grateful for everything she does to make the holidays so special. She is, without a doubt, the true spirit of Christmas.
