This season is always a time for reflection.

It’s meant to be a time when we slow down, count our blessings, relax with our families, and experience joy, as well as pause for thankful moments.

But this year, it feels as though the days have snuck up on me. One minute the season is just beginning and, all of a sudden, Christmas feels like tomorrow. (I just got a chance to finish this blog, so Christmas really is only a few days away.)

Suddenly, my hopes of focusing on the beauty of Christmas shifted into: Oh my goodness, I feel like I only have five minutes left, and Oh no, this gift is late, and I forgot to order this or that. I know I’m not alone. Every year I think, This year is going to be different. And yet, here I am—caught up in it all.

The one thing I’ve realized this year is that I have held strong to our traditions at home. Without fail, it’s a family goal, and we all rally. There are certain non-negotiables that, as I sit here and think through them, fill my heart with joy and happiness—even in the hurried times.

We cut down our tree at the tree farm every year. We do not go and get that tree unless all four children are with me to cut it down. This year was no different; we went the very first weekend of the holiday season.

Another “must-do” is a visit to the most special Santa Claus in all the land. We have been going to The Old Cannery for the better part of 18 years. Every year, we go together. Santa Claus remembers our family, and we feel the magic of Christmas all around us. There are no words for that special day. Without fail, the five of us go. I stand in line (for two hours) while they walk around. These days they go get coffee, but in the olden days it was candy, popcorn, and begging me for fudge. A visit with Santa really does solidify the magic of the holiday season.

There is always a trip to Spanaway Park to see the lights, sitting in lines that are far too long in our jammies. It’s the one time you can hang out the sunroof, roll the windows down, say hello to people as they drive slowly by, and cheer and enjoy the magic of the season together. Afterwards, it’s always Dairy Queen.

Whatever it is that brings your heart joy and prioritizes being with family, I hope you lean into those moments. Stay connected. Be present. Stay off the devices that can be a hindrance and a thief of togetherness. I hope and pray you stay safe, have quiet spiritual moments that center you, and seek stillness that gives you what you need to take on the next chapter coming in ’26.

I’ll be right there with you, doing all I can to figure it out.

And should you find moments of challenge along the way, consider me a companion on your journey—someone to help guide you when you could use support, no matter what stage or chapter you are in.