As I sit here in my kitchen, listening to the pitter-patter of rain, I find myself reflecting on the whirlwind that was November. I adore the calming sound of rain, but tornado warnings this late in the year? Not so much. It’s strange how quickly the holiday season sneaks up on us. Every year, I tell myself I’ll be prepared, but instead, I over-plan and overwhelm myself. I make lists upon lists, brainstorm ideas until my I drive myself crazy, all in an effort to create a holiday that feels precious and memorable.When I was a child, this time of year was pure magic. The sights, the smells, the sounds—it all captivated my imagination. Growing up in a house where I believed in Santa, I pondered the mystery of how he’d squeeze down our chimney to deliver toys. The true magic, though, was Christmas morning: waking up at the crack of dawn and running to the living room to see the gifts Santa had left. That joy, that wonder, is something I’ve worked hard to recreate for my own kids. For years...