What memories of childhood do you have of the holidays? Remember the fun you had decorating the tree? Remember the flickering lights on the menorah, and the aroma of home-baked cookies? Can you recall gathering with family, the excitement of opening gifts, and the mouthwatering meals that became our family tradi tions? Our childhood recollections can offer us a delightful sense of nostalgia and comfort throughout our lives. Remember the love that filled your heart and soul? That is the true essence of the holidays… love.
I can’t help but think of my childhood memories. I remember decorating our tree and the multicolored lights with the tin reflectors shaped like flowers, and how we carefully draped fat gold garland around the tree. I also remember making spritz cookies shaped like Christmas trees and candy canes with my sister, Denise, and Mom. I remember the laughter, and the feelings of love and joy. My mom beautifully wrapped our gifts and hung our stockings filled with Avon lip gloss and perfume pins, fun jewelry, Liddle Kiddles dolls, and a giant candy cane that barely fit on the railing of the stairs. My parents did their best to make Christmas special. I felt happy and very loved, and I could see the twinkle of love in my parents’ eyes as they watched the excitement on our faces. It was truly magical.
Why do we go to go to such extraordinary lengths during this season? All the shopping, expectations, anxiety, stress, and sometimes even chaos in efforts to create memorable holidays filled with love and wonder. Sadly, I often hear people say that the holidays are for kids. Of course, we want to create magical memories for our children, but what about making special memories for our spouses? Aren’t holidays about more than gifts, sumptuous feasts, and happy kids?
At the core of everything this season is love, and when we love, we must think! We must show our love for our partners during the holidays in ways that mean something to them. When we focus on our spouses our small acts of love become momentous by making our partners feel valued, seen and loved. Prioritizing our marriages enables love to thrive, and allows our children to feel a sense of stability and security. Our children (no matter their ages) need to see the love for our spouses in action.
Have you ever heard the saying, “The greatest gift you can give your children is to love your spouse?” What are your children learning about love from you? Let’s all be a little more mindful this holiday season and take the opportunity to celebrate and give the greatest gift of all – the gift of love.
