‘Mom Magic’, Christmas & Gratitude

*Jo, Gunnar and I taking that obligatory Christmas sweater picture on the stairs…my guess on the year is 1991.*

Monday, 12/9, would have been my mom’s 70th birthday. My brother Gunnar reached out to check in, and our dear friend Mary Hansen, truly an angel on earth, sent a sweet text about her. I called my brother, and we talked about how bittersweet it feels. While people haven’t forgotten her, it seems fewer think of her as often as we do. During our conversation, he asked how I planned to honor her. Truthfully, I hadn’t figured that out yet.

Gunnar has always been better at those kinds of things—just like Jo, who would always find meaningful ways to pay tribute on special days. He shared that he and his wife, along with their new baby Luca, were heading out to get their Christmas tree. That sparked a memory for me: our family tradition of getting the tree on Mom’s birthday every year. He loved that reminder and decided it would be a perfect way to honor her while celebrating his son’s first Christmas.

This season is special for so many reasons, but for me, it’s always been about the who behind the magic. Growing up, that person in our home was my mom. Like in many families, she made Christmas magical.

As a December baby, I know this time of year can feel overshadowed—combo gifts, dreary weather (even in SoCal), and less fanfare. I never minded sharing this season with my mom and Christmas, it makes it all the more meaningful.

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I love the togetherness, the festive feeling of hope, the slower pace, and most of all, the magic. But as I’ve grown older—and especially now, as a parent—I’ve realized that magic doesn’t just appear. It’s created, often by the love and care of someone like my mom.

Adults often say the magic of Christmas fades as we age. Life gets busier, more complicated, and perhaps a bit more cynical. Add the chaos of raising four little ones, and it’s easy to feel more like the Grinch than St. Nick. This year, though, Shelbs and I have been intentional about slowing down and seeing the season through our kids' eyes. Those moments, when the magic shines through them, are everything.

We’ve also made it a point to prioritize faith this season. While it can be hard to juggle church with four kids under four, we’ve focused on being present at services and activities. It’s a beautiful reminder of the true reason for the season—the miracle of giving and the blessings we share.

In that spirit, I want to thank you and let you know how grateful I am for you. I hope this season brings you countless moments of magic, love, and peace. Enjoy it fully, but don’t feel pressured to do it all.

This year, as I reflect on all she gave to us, I’ve realized that the best way to honor my mom is by carrying on the traditions she created and sharing the magic of the season with my own family.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Warmly,
Brendan