Before I became a mom, Christmas was about the perfect tree, traveling to see family, and checking everything off my holiday to-do list. Josh and I celebrate our wedding anniversary in December, so it was a season of romantic traditions too. But then Reese and later Jack came along, and they redesigned my heart and what Christmas means to me.
Now, when I feel Reese’s hand squeeze mine at the start of The Nutcracker or hear Jack’s squeals as he runs toward the tree like a wild man, I realize Christmas isn’t just about me and Josh anymore. Instead, it’s about creating magic for them. And somehow, that makes Christmas deeper, sweeter, and more meaningful than it’s ever been. Whether it’s your first Christmas as a mom or your 21st, here are 5 ways motherhood completely transforms the holiday season for me (and probably you too!).
1. I care more about my children’s joy than my own.
My first Christmas as a mom, Reese was only 3 months old, so Josh and I did most of the unwrapping for her. But even back then, I’d watch her face to see her reaction to the gift. I don’t even remember what we got her that first year, but I do remember experiencing a level of happiness I’d never experienced before.
As moms, our children’s joy becomes our joy. The best part of Christmas morning isn’t what’s under the tree for us. It’s watching our kids unwrap something they’ve been hoping for all season. Whether you’re helping tiny hands tear wrapping paper or watching older kids race down the stairs, our kids’ excitement becomes our gift. The sheer awe of it all will bring you to tears.
2. Christmas magic becomes real again.
I’ll never get over the sweetness of getting to watch Reese and Jack experience Christmas. When Reese whispers about leaving cookies for Santa or when Jack gasps at the giant inflatable snowman down the street, I remember what it felt like to believe in magic. It’s one of the little miracles of Christmas I don’t ever want to overlook.
Through our children’s eyes, twinkling lights aren’t just decorations. They’re sparkly stars, lighting up the living room. Santa isn’t just a fun story. He’s real and coming to visit. Their belief makes believers out of us again, and we get to experience the season with fresh eyes.
3. Simple moments matter more than grand celebrations.
Before kids, working at ESPN often meant my holiday schedule revolved around big events, including fancy dinners with elaborate decorations (and getting to wear lovely gowns). But then, from my very first Christmas as a mom, it became the quiet, ordinary moments that kept stealing my heart. Matching red Christmas pjs. Hot cocoa with way too much whipped cream. Gingerbread houses that collapse halfway through construction. Reese and Jack singing a “Jingle Bells” duet completely off-key in the back seat of the car.
These simple moments we get to witness as moms are all so unbelievably beautiful. Our children’s innocence breaks our hearts and heals them at the same time. The big celebrations are lovely, but it’s the everyday ones that create the memories we’ll cherish forever as moms.
4. I became the keeper of traditions.
During my first Christmas as a mom, it hit me: I’m the one creating the Christmas traditions now. I get to choose which cookies we bake every year, which Christmas movies we watch, and which routines and rituals define our family’s holiday celebrations. The traditions we start now will be the ones my kids will one day pass on to their own families.
Being the keeper of traditions feels like both a privilege and a responsibility. These activities we choose for our families become core childhood memories. When our kids are grown with children of their own, these traditions will be the thread that connects them back to their childhood. It’s such a joy to get to shape what home means to them.
5. I finally understand why my mom got teary-eyed on Christmas morning.
Growing up, I never quite understood why my mom would get emotional watching us open presents on Christmas morning. She’d smile and tear up at the same time. I thought it was sweet, but I didn’t really get it. Now I do. It’s that overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude as I watch my kids soak in every second of the season.
As moms, we get a front row seat to witnessing pure joy, innocent excitement, and the magic of childhood all happening at once. It’s enough to make any mom’s heart overflow with gratitude for the privilege of being there, of being the one who gets to create these memories with them.
How did your first Christmas as a mom change your perspective on the holidays?
