We’ve reached the end of another year, which means we’re caught up in the hectic holiday season. I’ve been seeing Christmas commercials since the start of football season, and now it’s nearly here.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve discovered that what Christmas means to me has evolved many times over the years. When I was a kid, it was all about Santa and my cousins and me being lucky enough to open what felt like a mountain of gifts at my grandparents’ house. It also meant eating lots of cookies and playing games with our family. By the time I was in high school, Christmas was about preparing for our show choir’s “Tis the Season” concert for months. Nearly 20 years later, some Christmas songs still instantly bring to mind the well-controlled chaos of those performances.

In my 20s, Christmas was a time for ugly sweater parties with friends and spending Christmas Day with family members I now saw only a few times a year. Our traditions — like my husband’s family always watching “A Christmas Story” on Christmas Eve, and my Nan’s birthday cake for Jesus (always red velvet for some reason) — became warm reminders of all the Christmases that came before. 

Now, with my 3-year-old daughter, Gwen, the magic of Christmas has caught a second wind. She brings joy and excitement to every aspect of the holiday, from decorating the tree to baking cookies for Santa. It’s hard to be a Grinch when she’s practically bursting with anticipation for Christmas morning.

Dear readers, I hope you find some of that Christmas magic amidst all the commercialization and last-minute holiday planning. My team and I are grateful for the time you’ve spent with Indiana Connection throughout the year. Have a safe and joyful holiday season!