Christmas time.

The time of the year when homes are cozy and warm, nights are quiet and peaceful, well-behaved children are wide-eyed and wonderful.

Right. Right?

Wrong.

Earlier this month, as I have every year since Evie was born, I was stressing out with the expectations of what Christmas should be. Why did it seem like everyone else was delighting in the hustle and bustle, and we were just barely getting by? But, then it hit me: Advent is not a month-long peace & love extravaganza. It is a collection of peaceful moments and loving actions. Small things that add up to a big feeling.

Take the other day, for example. I was feeling grumpy that the Christmas calm missed us this year. I knew I had to create a moment. I turned on the completely peaceful Elizabeth Mitchell Holiday station on Pandora. Evie pulled out some ingredients for a simple Christmas cookie. And we baked. Just the (four) girls and me.

For a little while, at least, we delighted in the spirit of Christmas. Happy times together, making memories, and slowing down. It’s what this season is all about, right?

Right!