Christmas Morning, the Way I Remember It!

This photo captures a moment that still lives vividly in my memory—pure joy, simple wonder, and the unmistakable magic of Christmas morning.

Growing up, Christmas didn’t start at sunrise. It started at midnight.

My dad had a tradition that we looked forward to all year. Right as the clock struck twelve, he would come into our rooms with a grin and say, “Ho, ho, ho… Santa has come and gone.” That was all it took. We were wide awake in seconds. No hesitation. No slowing down. Just excitement.

We would rush downstairs together, barely able to contain ourselves, to see what Santa had left. The tree lights were glowing, ornaments shining, and the living room felt almost sacred in that quiet, late-night stillness. That’s what this picture reminds me of—being completely present in the moment, sitting on the floor, surrounded by gifts, feeling safe, loved, and happy.

But Christmas in our home was about more than presents.

Before the wrapping paper flew—or in my case, before we even needed to unwrap anything—we were taught what the season truly meant. The love of Jesus was always at the center. Christmas wasn’t just about what we received, but why we celebrated. It was about grace, generosity, family, and love. That grounding stayed with me long after the toys were put away.

One thing that made our Christmas mornings unique: I liked my gifts unwrapped.

There was something special about coming downstairs and seeing everything laid out—no guessing, no suspense, just instant joy. I loved being able to take it all in at once, scanning the room, spotting something new, and picking it up immediately. For me, that was part of the magic. No paper between me and Christmas morning.

Looking back now, it’s not the gifts I remember most. It’s the feeling. The tradition. The laughter. The faith. The way my dad made the moment feel bigger than life with just a few simple words.

Those memories don’t fade. They shape who we become.

So I’ll ask you this—how do you like to receive Santa’s gifts?

Wrapped neatly under the tree, one surprise at a time?
Or unwrapped and waiting for you the moment you come down Christmas morning?

However you celebrate, I hope your Christmas is filled with joy, family, faith, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime.