Read by Matilda Longbottom

The holiday season always seems to carry with it a sense of magic. The air is filled with warmth and love, even in the coldest weather. For me, as the decorations go up and holiday songs fill the house, I am reminded of the Christmas Eves when my girls were still little. I cherish the simple traditions we created together.

It began when my daughters were young, excited for Christmas but looking for something to fill the long hours before Santa’s arrival. On one Christmas Eve morning, we decided we’d not only bake cookies for Santa, but also thought it would be a great idea to make him a homemade ornament as a gift. Their little faces lit up as they gathered paper, crayons, pipe cleaners, glitter, and glue. For over an hour, the house was filled with giggles and Christmas carols as they carefully crafted their masterpieces, chatting about what Santa might think of their gifts.

When they were done, we had a colorful pile of homemade ornaments scattered across the table. Others were proudly placed on our tree, and some set aside, as we hadn’t yet decided what to do with them. Then came the baking. The girls were determined that Santa should have options, and soon our kitchen was filled with the heavenly scent of gingerbread men, sugar cookies in every shape imaginable, and chocolate-chip cookies, too. I remember thinking how we had far more cookies than one jolly man in a red suit could ever eat.

And that’s when inspiration struck. As I glanced out the window at our cozy little neighborhood, I couldn’t help but think of how Christmas could be made even brighter if we shared some of this joy. When I suggested it to the girls, they eagerly nodded. What could be more fun than surprising our neighbors with Christmas cookies and their newly crafted ornaments?

The first stop was next door, where a kind older woman the girls had affectionately named “Grandma Cupcake” lived. With a plate of cookies, wrapped carefully with one of their handmade ornaments on top, my daughters eagerly walked to her door. From the porch, I watched them knock, wish her a Merry Christmas, and present her with the gift. Her face lit up with pure joy, and as she hugged the girls, my heart swelled.

That moment became the beginning of something beautiful. Year after year, our Christmas Eve tradition lived on. What had started as a way to pass the time became a day we eagerly waited for. We spent the morning baking and decorating, followed by delivering plates of cookies and ornaments to our neighbors. The girls would carefully carry their gifts, knocking on doors and spreading Christmas cheer one house at a time.

Looking back, I didn’t realize just how much this little tradition meant to our neighbors until many years later. After “Grandma Cupcake” passed, I ran into her daughter, who told me how much those Christmas Eve visits had meant to her mother. She had saved every single ornament the girls had made over the years.

What started as an activity to keep two children busy turned into an act of love that I hope they continue with their children when the time comes. This is a Christmas memory that I will always hold close to my heart. Christmas has a way of reminding us that the most meaningful gifts we give are the ones from the heart.

I hope that your family traditions, whatever they may be, bring you just as much happiness and joy as mine have brought me. And I hope you remember that sometimes, the smallest gestures—like a plate of cookies and a handmade ornament—can leave the biggest impact on those around us. ❖