Making Wishes Come True

The other night, my children begged and begged for me to put up our Christmas tree. It was a beautiful evening, the snow was falling, and we were snuggled up nice and warm indoors after playing outside. Well, with hot chocolate in hands and festive music playing in the background, I complied and we put up the tree. Sure, it's early, but I'm in the mood to celebrate all things festive already, and so are my children. After all, it is such a magical time of year.

I have so many wonderful memories of the holiday season from my childhood—decorating the tree, baking cookies, singing carols, writing letters to Santa, asking for the perfect gift (My Little Pony, a guitar, a globe, Rainbow Brite, and Strawberry Shortcake are some gifts I remember asking for and being so excited to receive!). For my sister, I'm sure her favourite and most memorable Christmas memory is when she received Cricket—the big talking doll. One memory that has stayed with me is of staying up really late to attend midnight mass and then coming home to eat a very late Greek dinner. We'd then get to open one Christmas gift before finally going to bed.

The holidays are all about family, togetherness, and making wishes come true—it's such a wonderful time, especially for children. It's amazing to see the sparkle in my children's eyes as they discover the magic of the holiday season, from giving back to those in need, to asking for, and receiving, that special something they've been longing for.

I remember flipping through the Sears Wish Book, and circling all the toys I wanted when I was younger; now I watch my children do the same thing, with excitement. It's fun to hear their giggles and excitement as they plan out what they want to find under the tree each holiday season.

Waking up on Christmas morning is always so amazing, and now with children running through the house to see what Santa left them, it's even better. Children grow so quickly, and though they won't believe in the magic of Santa forever, the early memories will stay with them a lifetime. And even when they're old enough to understand it's not Santa leaving the gifts under the tree, they'll still appreciate the magic and wonder of the season, because they'll still receive that special something they've asked for.

Have you or your children had the chance to flip through the Sears Canada Wish Book yet this year? I've got a few items circled off myself, and so do my children. Hey, as long as there is a healthy balance with giving, I see nothing wrong with receiving, especially at this time of year.

To help get you in the festive mood, Sears Canada is giving away three $50 gift cards to three of my readers so that you can make someone on your shopping list very happy this Christmas. Simply leave me a comment below telling me what you love best about the holidays, and what a favourite holiday childhood memory is for you! (I'll be randomly picking a winner on December 5th, 2014.)


Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Sears Canada, however all views and opinions are my own.