A Christmas of Presence

A Rainy Day, a Warm Home, and a Tree Full of Memories

This past weekend, my husband carried our artificial Christmas tree in from the garage—the same one we’ve used for years—but somehow, this year, it felt different. I set it up in the living room, fluffing the branches and waiting with anticipation for my little helpers. Outside, a slow, steady rain fell… the kind that makes home feel especially warm. A pot of chili simmered in the crockpot, ready for our guests.

Little Hands, Big Joy

Soon, the door swung open and in came our grandsons—all three of them—eyes wide with excitement. We filled our bowls, shared lunch, and then with toddler-sized enthusiasm, we began decorating the tree.

To be honest, the decorating was beautifully chaotic. A few mishaps. A couple of broken ornaments. And plenty of requests to put things “high, high, high!” on the branches. But this year, I didn’t care about perfection. In fact, it was the first year I let the little ones take the lead. No carefully curated placement. No symmetry. Just tiny hands, wobbly branches, and so much joy. A new tradition—one I pray they’ll always remember in their own way.

Ornaments That Tell Our Story

As the boys hung ornaments, my own memories began to surface. Each familiar piece carried a story: the first ornament my daughter Morgan received… the dozens that followed from family, friends, and teachers… and then Ryan’s angel ornament—the one he got when he was born on November 30, 1995. A lifetime of love and loss and healing wrapped up in one small tree. Moments that once felt slow now rush by in an instant.

My grandsons inspected every picture, every sparkle, every tiny piece of our family’s story. And as I watched them, I realized they were looking toward the future with the same hopeful anticipation I once felt.

What I’m Really Looking Forward To

They’re excited for cookies, treats, and gifts. And yes, this Christmas will be special. All three boys will be at our house (and their parents too). There will be turkey, pies, and more wrapping paper than any of us need. They’ll probably get too many gifts… and I’ll probably let them.

But what I’m most looking forward to this year isn’t under the tree.
It’s the simple things: a full house, good food, shared laughter, and a deep-rooted faith that centers it all.

The True Reason for the Season

Because at the heart of every ornament, every memory, and every moment we create together is the real reason for the season—Jesus. His hope. His presence. His promise.

So this Christmas, I want to encourage you:

Don’t chase perfection.
Chase presence.
Chase the quiet, holy moments that make you slow down, smile, and feel the goodness of God right here, right now.

Enjoy the simple things.
The sacred things.
The ones that become stories worth telling… year after year.

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15

A reminder that faith is the foundation of family, tradition, and every legacy moment we’re building.

“The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” — William James

True impact comes not from what we accumulate, but from the love, service, and hope we leave behind—acts that ripple far beyond our own lives and reflect the heart of Jesus.

Step Into Hope This Season

This Christmas season, choose presence over perfection.
Serve, love, and lead with HOPE—right where you are.

Take one small step this week:
Reach out to someone who needs encouragement, invite a family member back to the table, or offer a simple act of service in your community.

Let’s be the light. Let’s build HOPE.

With HOPE & Gratitude,

Brandi Kelly