Only yesterday all they wanted were the characters from PJ Masks for Christmas. Little cars zoomed around as my little ones created “headquarters” out of pillows and acted out stories on the living room floor.

This year my son received and is reading the fourth book in the Harry Potter series, he also received a difficult Lego set that he constructed without help over a two-day period. My daughter created art projects and played games of strategy that were among her gifts.

Christmas is growing up in our house.

My oldest, with special needs, will always truly be my baby, smiling and squealing as he opened a set of Top Gun jets. I treasure those moments, but my mind remembers Christmases spent cuddling infants and sending excited toddlers back to bed for just a little longer.

They aren’t even very old yet. I look into their eyes and the sparkle is still there. The creativity, the magic, and the childish excitement for the season.

They are learning the truth that giving is more blessed than receiving, and it fills me with awe to see their joy in choosing and wrapping presents for their younger cousins and for each other.

My second oldest took the time this year to help his brother unwrap and play with his presents before he even touched his own.

Christmas is growing up because the children are growing up. They are maturing into thoughtful, caring, loving humans who understand the real reason for the season is God’s love.

I can’t say that I’m sad about it. After all, they are growing up into the kind of people I have prayed and strived that they might become. They are still young and we have more Christmases at home together, I know, many more.

Given how fast these years have flown by though, I won’t deny there’s a little pang in my heart as I watch them. I want to snuggle on the couch a little longer this time. I want to bake one more batch of your favorite cookies and watch that old sentimental movie again, with cups of hot cocoa in hand. I want you to always be my babies, at least at Christmas time.

My parents are at the other side of these years. My youngest sister became engaged right before Christmas and my brother and his wife welcomed their first child in November. With all the grace and wisdom they own, my parents spent the holiday season creating joy with their grandchildren and reminded me that the years go by so fast.

They didn’t need to. I folded and gave away her outgrown elf pajamas from last year, and I noticed that he hasn’t touched his dinosaur figures in a little too long. The years go by, Christmas by Christmas, and all we can do as parents is love them the best we can, hold them as long as we can, and show them how to walk in grace and wisdom, and especially, love.

Merry Christmas, from our home to yours. Wish you all the love and hope the season has to offer, even in the midst of such a troubled year. Hold the ones you love a little longer. Be blessed.