Read the Book. Always Read the Book.

Last night I was tired.

But as I was sending the kids upstairs, I noticed the stack of Christmas books under the tree.

And I remembered the Christmases when they were little, when we’d read one of those every night together before bedtime.

So as tired as I was, I stopped the bedtime routine, and told my son to pick one of those books under the tree. We curled up on the couch, in our pjs, and took turns reading the pages.

And in just ten short minutes, we added onto the memory bank of Christmases together as a family.

These little moments – often unplanned – are the things our children will remember. They’ll sit around one day reminiscing about Christmases growing up…and hopefully remember all the love that was around them. And that’s what I want them to know more than anything – that they couldn’t be more loved. That in this season when there’s such a focus on presents, that they are by far our greatest gifts.

Childhood is fleeting. Get the matching pjs, drive around looking at lights. Curl up on the couch and read the Christmas stories together. They probably won’t remember the gifts under the tree – but they’ll remember those things.

On this anniversary of the Sandy Hook tragedy, I thought this was timely. Take these moments when you can. Grab onto those babies – no matter their age – and love on them with all you’ve got. Because there are far too many moms and dads who would give anything to do that…but can’t.

I’m so glad I spotted that stack of books that have gone unread this far in the Christmas season. I’m so glad I gathered up my babies and held them close. I’m so glad even though I was exhausted and just wanted them to GET. TO. BED., that we took those few minutes and read the book.

I encourage you tonight – in honor of those children gone far far too soon, to do the same.

My husband grabbed his phone and snapped this picture. I’m so glad he did – even though my hair’s a mess and the makeup is off, it captures a moment in time that I will hold onto forever.

christmas-book

“I am your parent; you are my child.

I am your quiet place; you are my wild.

I am your hush now; you are my lyrical.

I am your peace on Earth; you are my miracle.”

(from our favorite Christmas book: You Are My Miracle)

 

When given the choice between bedtime and the book, read the book.

Always, always read the book.

Merry Christmas.

 

 

Visit this page to support the Sandy Hook Promise: www.sandyhookpromise.org/

 

Comments

  1. And this is why you are such a special person, and we all love you!
    Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  2. Love, Love this piece you did. Thank you. Love the pic as well!

  3. Wonderful post. I always have to remind myself to take advantage of those precious moments with my girls. They have grown up too fast. Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family.

  4. Saw this photo on Facebook today…I thought, wow what a perfectly sweet Christmas photo! Your right, they aren’t little forever. My girls are now 22 &19, We make new kinds of memories, but, yes, they grow so very fast.

    Merry Christmas…
    Sherri

  5. First of all – I love all of you p.j.’s! Here in Florida it’s far too warm to bundle up but….. This post came at the perfect time as my 6th grader just finished a difficult week of mid-terms and as I was reading this I heard “mom, please come put me to bed” so I’m heading over to our stack of Christmas books (that we rarely read anymore) and picking out an old favorite. Thanks for always inspiring us! You’re an awesome mama!

Leave a Reply to Christa Cancel reply