I woke up this morning to this beautiful sight:

Now, I’m not a huge snow fan. I am, at heart, a California girl. But there is something magical about the snow during the Christmas season – particularly on a day where you don’t have anywhere to go. To be able to snuggle up under a blanket, staring out the window as the snowflakes fall gently from the sky…

All I’m missing is a fireplace. But I even have Netflix for that.

It has made me ponder about the magic of the Christmas season. My daughter will be 3 in January, and so this is the first Christmas where she has been old enough to really get into the whole experience. And I’ve definitely discovered the truth behind what everyone says: that Christmas is better with kids. Their innocence, curiosity, and sheer delight can’t help but add an additional level of joy to our traditions.

But it’s also the power of intention. I want Christmas to be magical for her. So I find myself intentionally making choices that will enhance the special feeling of the holiday. I’m focused on magic – and so magic is happening.

By choosing to make Christmas special for her, I am also making it special for myself.

What a lovely discovery.

I was making all those connections while writing my morning pages, and as I was writing the final lines, I couldn’t help but wonder – how could I make this even more magical? How could I enhance her experience?

Though my California heart protested, I immediately knew the answer. We had to go outside and play. All I had to ask was “Do you want to build a snowman?” and she was in. Bursting with excitement as I put on her coat and boots. Squealing as we walked out the door. Pure joy on her face as she ran around the back yard.

But she couldn’t’ be contained. She had to explore more. So the short adventure in the backyard turned into an exploratory walk around the neighborhood. Christmas music played on my phone. Snow softly drifted down. Peace and quiet emanating from the world.

It was pure…magic.