The holidays have a funny way of stirring up cherished memories. This morning, I found myself reminiscing about Christmases past and what made them so special. Surprisingly, I couldn’t recall my favorite childhood gift. What did come to mind? The year my dad tried to convince me that reindeer were on the roof—only to take a tumble and shout a few choice words on the way down. He hit the deck and scurried off limping so I wouldn’t see him out my window. I was watching the whole time. Years later I commended him for his effort.
Then there was my grandma’s kitchen, overflowing with the smells of cookies and pies. She always invited old Mr. Harvey to dress up as Santa and visit us on Christmas Eve. We kids saw right through the act—his tennis shoes peeked out from under the fake boots, and his cotton-filled beard couldn’t have fooled anyone. But oh, how we loved the tradition, pillow-stuffed belly and all.
Now it’s your turn: think about what you remember most from the holidays. Chances are, it’s not the gifts under the tree. Instead, it’s the laughter, the family gatherings, the shared meals, and the stories of loved ones who have passed. These are the moments that stick with us, the ones that warm our hearts year after year.
Making Memories That Last
As you plan your holiday season, ask yourself: what do you want your family to remember? The latest gadget or toy will likely be forgotten by this time next year, but the experiences—those are priceless. Waking up together with smiles and love in your hearts, reconnecting with relatives you don’t see often, passing down family recipes, or simply enjoying the quiet moments of reflection—these are the true gifts of the season.
And let’s be real about those gifts for a moment. The toys and trinkets you buy for your kids? They’ll probably end up gathering dust before long. But spending time together? That’s what your children will carry with them. Reading Christmas stories by the fire, volunteering as a family, or even a silly karaoke night can become the kind of memory they’ll pass down.
The Greatest Gift of All
This holiday season, let love and rest take center stage. Let go of the pressure to find the “perfect” gift and instead focus on creating moments that matter. Y-12 Credit Union is here to remind you: you are enough. You matter. You are the gift your family and friends cherish most. Don’t let the hustle and bustle of shopping and making everything perfect overshadow that reality. Take a deep breath, embrace the experience, and remember that the best things about this season can’t be bought. They’re found in the hugs, laughter, and the simple joy of being together.
