The Beautiful Noise of Christmas

There’s something about Christmas that turns the volume knob all the way up. Everything feels louder, fuller, brighter. The music hums constantly in the background. Decorations slowly take over every flat surface. Movies play on repeat. Wrapping paper multiplies like it’s got a life of its own. There’s baking with my kids, followed immediately by cleaning up the aftermath. Sticky counters, flour on the floor, and at least one forgotten pan soaking in the sink. It’s joyful chaos, and it’s exhausting all at once.

Somewhere in the middle of all that noise, I’ve always tried to hold onto one quiet tradition with my kids: Angel gifts. Every year, local businesses put up trees decorated with angels or stars, each one carrying a wish from a child. Since my kids were little, we’ve made it a point to pick four, one for each of them. We’d choose children close in age to my own, because it helped them connect. It wasn’t just a name on a tag. It was a kid who might like the same toys, wear the same size clothes, or have the same favorite colors.

Those moments, standing in the store aisle or sitting on the living room floor sorting gifts, were some of my favorites. Watching my kids carefully pick things out. Hearing them ask thoughtful questions. Seeing them light up at the idea of helping another child feel the magic of Christmas. It grounded us. It reminded me that even in the frenzy, we were doing something that mattered.

And yet… Christmas is still ours.

It’s still loud. Still messy. Still full of half-finished wrapping sessions and late nights. Still ours in the way only a family of six can claim it. The giving doesn’t cancel out the chaos, and the chaos doesn’t erase the meaning. They live side by side. And somehow, year after year, that’s what makes it feel like Christmas.

From our family to yours, wishing you a very Merry Christmas. Hold your loved ones close. Don't forget to be in the moment and enjoy the time, especially if you have children(time goes so quickly).