Christmas morning in our house isn’t quiet or calm—it’s full of joyful chaos, laughter, and moments I know I’ll treasure forever. With a 7-year-old son and a 7-month-old baby boy, this holiday season has felt extra special. It’s our first Christmas as a family of four, and while life with two boys is wonderfully busy, today, I couldn’t help but soak in the beauty of it all.
Early Morning Excitement
The day started early—of course. My 7-year-old, or “Big Brother”, had been counting down the days for weeks. He woke up just after 7 AM, his excitement spilling over as he whispered loudly in our room, “Mom, Dad, it’s Christmas! Santa left snow footprints!”
Before heading to the living room, we peeked into the nursery to check on “Little Brother.” With all the excitement, he was on his belly cooing and talking, waiting for mama to get him. Big brother jumps in his crib with him and gives him morning hugs. I took a moment to savor the beauty of my two boys loving on one another.
Opening Presents with Two Boys
Big Brother practically sprinted to the Christmas tree, his eyes lighting up as he saw the pile of presents Santa had left behind. I put on a pot of coffee as my husband handed out the gifts. Then, we put on the 1960s classic Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer movie to enjoy as we open presents.
For Big Brother, the magic of Santa was still alive and well. He tore through his presents, his face lighting up with pure joy at each new toy or game. He was especially excited about the big gift Santa brought—a SKATEBOARD he’d been asking for all year.
For Little Brother, it was his first Christmas. He didn’t understand what was going on, of course, but he was just as fascinated by the crinkling wrapping paper as Big Brother was by his gifts. Watching his tiny hands grab at the paper and hearing his little screams as we helped him open his presents melted my heart. His favorite gift? The wrapping paper—that I wouldn’t let him eat.
A Cozy Christmas Morning
After the gifts were unwrapped, the living room was a happy mess of paper and toys. Big Brother quickly got to work on learning to balance on the skateboard, determined to be able to ride it by the end of the day, while Little Brother played on his play mat with his new toys. We drank coffee and watched the boys play for awhile before getting ready to head to Christmas lunch.
We kept the morning simple and slow, savoring the joy of just being together.
Christmas Lunch with Family
By noon, it was time to head to my parents’ house for Christmas lunch. They usually host every year, which gives me immense joy because it reminds me of my childhood Christmases. They still live in the same house I grew up in.
As we walked in, the house smelled amazing—roasted turkey, buttery sweet potatoes, and all the classic Christmas dishes everyone brought. Once my siblings and their kids showed up, the noise level quickly rose as the cousins reunited, laughing, and chasing each other through the house. But the kids weren’t the only ones excited—our family Christmas includes the dogs, too. My two French bulldogs, Pepper and Pierre, joined the fun, along with my siblings’ dogs. The dogs darted through the house, happily wagging their tails as they got all the extra love (and a few sneaky bites of turkey) from everyone.
We gathered around the big dining table, which was beautifully set with festive plates and centerpieces. Big Brother sat with his cousins, giggling and swapping stories about their presents, while Little Brother laid on the floor beside me, drinking his bottle.
The meal was a mix of laughter and conversation. Afterward, we all moved to the living room to open presents. The kids played with their toys as the adults conversed over dessert. It was loud and a little chaotic, but it was everything I love about Christmas—togetherness, love, and joy.
Nap Time and Quiet Moments
By mid-afternoon, the excitement caught up to Little Brother, and it was time for his nap. He ended up falling asleep on daddy’s lap. We decided it was time to head home. As I watched him sleep in his swing, I couldn’t help but reflect on how different this Christmas felt compared to years past. Having a baby in the house again brought back memories of Big Brother’s early years, but it also reminded me to slow down and savor these fleeting moments.
Meanwhile, Big Brother played was busy playing with all his new toys, learning to ride his skateboard and enjoying the crisp winter air. My husband was outside helping, and I watched from the window, sipping coffee and thanking God.
Moment for Jesus
Before the day’s activities picked up, I took time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. This has always been an important tradition for me, but this year, it felt even more special as I thought about Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms that first Christmas night.
I sat quietly for a moment and read the story of Jesus’ birth from Luke. I imagined the awe and wonder the shepherds must have felt as the angels appeared to them, announcing the Savior’s arrival. I thought about the humility of Jesus being born in a stable, and the incredible love God showed in sending His Son to be with us.
With Little Brother in my arms and Big Brother busy with his new toys, I whispered a prayer of gratitude. Reflecting on Jesus’ birth reminded me to keep my heart focused on the gift of salvation, even amidst the joy and busyness of the day. It’s a moment I cherish every Christmas—a grounding reminder of what the season is truly about.
Christmas Evening and Reflection
When evening came, we were all ready for some downtime. We snuggled on the couch as a family, the Christmas tree lights twinkling softly in the background. We chose the final Harry Potter movie, and even Little Brother seemed mesmerized by the magic and wizards on the screen. I held him close, his tiny head resting on my chest, and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
As I tucked Big Brother into bed later that night, he hugged me tightly and whispered, “This was the best Christmas ever, Mom.” For him, the magic of Christmas was in the presents, the cookies, and the fun. For me, it was in the moments—the laughter, the hugs, the memories we created as a family.
Little Brother drifted off to sleep shortly after, his chubby hands clutching his bottle. I stood by his crib for a moment, watching him sleep and marveling at how much joy he’s brought into our lives in just seven months.
Motherhood isn’t always easy, and Christmas with two young boys certainly has its challenges. There were meltdowns, messes, and moments of exhaustion. But there was also so much joy. This Christmas reminded me of what truly matters—faith, family, and the love we share.
As I finally crawled into bed that night, I whispered a prayer of thanks for this beautiful, messy, magical life. I don’t know what next Christmas will look like, but I know I’ll hold onto the memories of this one for years to come.
What are some of your favorite Christmas memories with your kids? I’d love to hear how you make the holiday season special in your family!
Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
Boy Mom💙