When I was a child, there was nothing more exhilarating than retrieving the mail and finding the Sears or Service Merchandise catalog inside. I would spend hours flipping through its pages, meticulously circling every item I wished for come Christmas. From toys to clothes to the most extravagant gadgets of the 1980s, it was a rite of passage that filled my heart with joy.
Now, my kids experience a similar excitement, albeit with Target, Amazon, LEGO, and American Girl catalogs. They eagerly sift through each page, searching for new treasures to desire. I often find items circled with various initials next to them, a clear signal to Santa about who wants what. However, this year, there are only three sets of initials. My eldest son has quietly moved on from the Christmas catalogs, leaving my heart feeling a bit heavy.
At this point, he’s a teenager, and the enchanting spirit of the holidays seems to have faded for him. Yet, in my eyes, he is still that little boy. Instead of circling items in a catalog, he now sends me links to Amazon for the latest AirPods or simply requests cash to save for a new gaming system. While it’s undoubtedly more straightforward and efficient, it feels somewhat impersonal. It just doesn’t capture the essence of Christmas.
Fortunately, our home still holds onto some of that holiday magic. We still have believers among us, and our elf continues to visit each night, leaving behind little notes. Rex, named after his favorite character from “Toy Story,” was his elf, and it feels like just yesterday when those magical Christmases filled our home. Time flies, doesn’t it? He might not fully believe in the elf tradition anymore, but he still plays along for the sake of his younger siblings, and I’m grateful he hasn’t turned into a Grinch.
When he was little, I would decorate the house the night after Thanksgiving while he slept, setting the stage for some holiday magic. The delight on his face as he discovered the decorations was unforgettable. Now, he helps me with the tree and even indulges my Hallmark movie obsession. I cherish these moments.
He no longer looks for Rex upon waking, nor does he talk about visiting Santa or searching for his sleigh on Christmas Eve. However, the memories of his sweet and innocent Christmases remain alive in our home. I have a special tree filled with ornaments that reflect our family’s cherished memories—family vacations, anniversaries, and handmade treasures from my children. Each ornament tells a story and serves as a reminder of the love that has filled our home.
As my children grow older, I find comfort in knowing that I will always have this keepsake tree, adorned with beautiful colored lights, to brighten the cold December nights. Although they may outgrow the elves, reindeer, and Christmas catalogs, the magic doesn’t have to vanish. It can evolve into something new. Last year, I introduced my older sons to “Christmas Vacation,” and they loved it, especially Clark’s memorable rants. They’ve already asked to watch it again this year, which warms my heart.
The Christmas catalogs for this year are already on the living room table, dog-eared and marked for Santa. My eldest still enjoys building LEGO sets with his dad, and I might just toss that catalog on his bed with a fresh Sharpie, along with a note from Rex reminding him that Santa is still watching. Who knows? There could be a sprinkle of holiday magic left behind those earbuds and the latest gadgets.
If you’re interested in exploring more about family traditions and creating new memories, check out this blog post for ideas. For those looking into family planning, this resource is a great authority on home insemination. Additionally, Healthline offers excellent information on pregnancy and related topics.
In summary, while it can be bittersweet to see our children grow out of certain traditions, it’s essential to embrace new ones. Finding ways to keep the holiday spirit alive—whether through movies, family memories, or simple gestures—can help us retain that cherished magic.
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