I’ve spent a lot of time, money, and energy curating holiday events for my very young children. So much so that a friend from college texted me last month, “Wow, you guys go to a lot of pumpkin patches…” This Christmas, I plan on taking my kids to the Weaver Christmas Lights, Festival of Lights at the Zoo, the Duke Energy Holiday Trains, and Holidays on the Farm at Winton Woods. And visit Santa! And decorate gingerbread houses!
That’s a lot of holiday magic, and sometimes I have to wonder – will they even remember these moments when they’re older?
Eh, probably not. But that doesn’t mean that it won’t be worth every second and dollar spent. I am coming to learn that parenting is full of these fleeting, magical moments – the kind we treasure long after they’ve passed, even if our children won’t.
Sometimes, the joy in parenting isn’t in creating memories for our kids but in curating moments for ourselves. Taking the time to look at Christmas lights, share a peppermint hot chocolate at the mall, or bake holiday cookies isn’t just about them; it’s about reconnecting with a childlike sense of wonder and strengthening bonds with your kids. These moments remind us why we love being parents in the first place.
And here’s the kicker: even if they won’t remember every holiday adventure, I will.
While our kids might not recall every zoo visit or museum trip, these moments lay the groundwork for who they will become. The laughter, the affection, and the time spent together are absorbed into their tiny hearts. My kids will grow up knowing they were cherished and that I found deep joy in the moments we spent together.
It’s not about what they remember but how they feel. And, it’s about the parents, too.
So, don’t let anyone tell you it’s silly to spend energy on an activity your child might not remember. You’re not just making their childhood magical—you’re making your own. Their childhood is your childhood, too. The beauty of these moments is that they’re a gift to mom and dad as well. Someday, when they’re older and off doing their own thing, my husband and I will look back on the year I stuffed 18 Christmas activities into the span of three weeks and smile. And maybe, hopefully, we’ll cherish the memory of seeing Christmas lights through the eyes of a toddler more than they would have.
Parenting isn’t just about creating memories for our kids. It’s about filling our own hearts with moments of joy along the way. And I plan to spend this December making holiday memories, even if only the adults remember them.
