The days after Christmas always feels a little heavy. The twinkling lights seem dimmer, the festive wrapping paper lies crumpled in the trash, and the magic that’s been building for weeks dissipates like a winter’s breath in the cold. It’s a bittersweet moment—the culmination of so much planning, shopping, and anticipation—but what’s left behind feels incomplete. I can’t help but wonder, where did the awe go?
When I was growing up, Christmas had this magical sense of wonder that seemed effortless. My mom, in particular, loved the holiday season. One of her favorite traditions was the annual “gift with purchase” from the local department store. Every year, they gave away a beautifully crafted collectible—a Norman Rockwell plate, a delicate bell, or even a Hummel figurine one year. My mom waited in eager anticipation to see what the gift would be. It was always a small token, but it brought her so much joy. She treasured those little surprises, not because they were valuable, but because they captured the spirit of the season: thoughtful, heartfelt, and special. She gave me the plate pictured below called “Mother’s Love” by Normal Rockwell and I treasure it.
This year, as I prepared for Christmas with my own family, I noticed a distinct lack of that same magic. I asked my kids to write down their Christmas lists, and they dutifully did. But as I shopped for the items they wanted, I felt like something was missing. There was no element of surprise, no hunt for that perfect, unique gift that would show just how well I know and love them. They knew what they were getting. And while I wanted to fulfill their needs and wishes, I missed the joy of finding something unexpected and special for each of them.
The magic of Christmas seems to have gotten buried under practicality and predictability. I find myself asking, how do we get it back? How do we rediscover the wonder of the season in a world that feels increasingly noisy and cluttered?
And then there’s the deeper question: where does Jesus fit into all of this? In the hustle and bustle, it’s so easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. His gift to us was as unique as they come—the ultimate surprise, the most heartfelt sursee. A gift of love, grace, and redemption that no one could have anticipated but everyone needed.
Next year, I want to approach Christmas differently. I hope we can take a moment around the tree, without the movies, music, or noise, and remember why we celebrate. It’s not about the gifts, the parties, or the decorations. It’s about the awe-inspiring story of a Savior who came into the world to bring light and hope.
Maybe next year, instead of focusing so much on the list, we can focus on the heart. Maybe we can find ways to rediscover the joy and wonder that my mom felt with her treasured department store gifts. Maybe we can remember that the greatest gift of all has already been given.
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