Last year I talked to my now 13y/o about how he now gets to BE a part of the Christmas magic for his little sister and everyone he loves. It was such a sweet moment, and he's done so beautifully. The magic changes, but it never ends!
Yes!! That’s what we discussed. Now you get to be a part of the magic for your sister and cousins! He actually bought her a gift with his chore money and is going to give it to her from Santa to see the reaction! 😭
The Santa convo is so so hard. I’ve always felt bad that I was lying but also felt so strongly that the magic is so so so so so magical!! That Christmas morning feeling. I know he still feels it, just in a different way.
Also love mood boarding, legit how I managed to pick out 1 million light fixtures in the new house. There should be a plaque that says House brought to you by Canva.
It was sooooo hard, but I knew he was ready. I love how he’s working so hard to keep the magic alive for his sister. And now he helps me!! He actually picked out a gift to get her and have it be from “Santa” so he can watch her open it on Christmas Day. Crackingggg up about the plaque! It’s so true lol!
You’re such a smart, soulful person, Traci. I love that you are teaching your son to find magic in the moments. (I’m finding magic in your stirrup pant moment!)
Lindsay!! Thank you so much for taking the time to read! I’m never quite sure if I’m tackling this motherhood thing the right way, but I felt pretty proud of that moment. You tell no lies—the stirrup leggings are magical and would look FAB on you, or styled by you for the people!!
I like the idea of the frames for things that aren't necessarily pictures !! I'm not a parent, but the convo with your son sounds so hard but I like Christina's take !!
So fun!! It was tough!! Christina is ridiculously wise! 🫶🏻🫶🏻 Thanks for reading, Ofelia! I can’t wait to try & make you proud on Tues’ post with my Tecovas!!
These posts are always the perfect mix of heartfelt and fun!! I remember finding out Santa wasn't real which was heartbreaking but then realizing someone did all that stuff for me because they loved me?! That was the coolest. I love you in that red polo and also, I swear by Youtube ambiance for all things! Twins again!
Thank you, friend!! I think that’s exactly how my little guy felt. Sadness turned into extreme gratitude & appreciation!! You know the good stuff!!! Do you have an ambience of choice or do you go rogue based on the feeling??
Loving all of your ordinary moments of magic, they all made me smile. I'll swap French toast for pancakes, and you have made my household's Saturday the most magical breakfast.
Ps also in my first year of the elf, bc I also got asked “when is our elf coming, what’s up with not having one”. Our elf just moves, he doesn’t do anything silly bc that’s all the brain cells I’ve got!!!!
LOL, "What's up with not having one?" — I love it. That’s exactly like my sister’s elf, and mine when I get a little sleepy. It’s like, OOOH! Look, it moved from the counter to a chair!
Traci!!!! Taking notes for when I have to have this convo someday. I’m amazed by your approach (totally stealing) and your amazing son. What a lucky kiddo. Merry merry ❤️❤️
Thank you so much for the kind words. I'm a HUGE fan of your writing on Substack, so having you come here to read my work means so much to me! Big hugs!!
I took myself on a solo coffee date yesterday, and it was magical! The pre-ramble and recent outfits are always my faves. I love reading about the interactions you have with your kids. You’re the coolest!
THANK YOU! A solo coffee date sounds like a dream rn. I'm so glad you enjoyed the fits! Parenting ain't easy sometimes - but next week we can chat more about my OBGYN visit. LOL, no joke.
Literally was in a panic this morning because we forgot to move the Elf last night! Also, that meme is me every morning being surprised, lol. Oh Traci, I dread the day I have to have that same conversation with my son, but you handled it SO well. He's 9, and is very curious now and asking a lot of questions to try and throw us off. I'm not ready yet to tell him the truth, but when I do, I will definitely take your direction, so thank you for sharing!! Also, your red Ralph Lauren button-up is haunting me - would love to add something like it to my wardrobe! Your outfit with the houndstooth blazer is also SO good!!
MARIA! Thank you so much for reading. THE LEGITIMATE TERROR that wakes me out of my sleep when I forget to move the elf or put $ under their pillows from the Tooth Fairy is crippling! Thank you for the kind words-- It was so spontaneous I wasn't prepared to go down this rabbit hole, but I think it went pretty smooth! The red RL button-down was such a great Depop find!! I hope you find one equally as fun. Appreciate you BEYOND words!! xx
It’s all so bittersweet sometimes! My almost 7 year old son asked me the other day “is Santa real, or a legend” and I was a little heartbroken. And I didn’t even want to “do” Santa before I had kids! Sighhhhhh
Sure is! Omg! I know, it’s tough. Santa IS a legend (an icon) but we aren’t ready to believe him as not being a magical red suited magician! I literally said to my son- well, yes— we have ALL been sort of lying to all of you lol 🤣
Your outfits are always 10/10 but this intro made me tear up a little! It’s so pure and innocent and honest. I hope to parent like you did in that moment one day when I’m asked the inevitable question of where magic comes from and what’s real. Your kids are so lucky to have a mom so dedicated to creating the magic. ❤️❤️
Marina!! Thank you for the kind words. I really brought the mood down this week, eh? 🤣 TY so much for the kind words!! I’m never sure if I’m doing an okay-enough job!!
Beautiful! Loved reading the sweet conversation you had with your kiddos, they really do give us pause, and showing them the magic in the mundane reminds us of it too 🥺. Also love every single detail of that houndstooth blazer outfit! ♥️
Thank you, Ritika! I'm never quite sure I'm doing this whole parenting thing right-- but in those moments I think I'm doing a halfway decent job! That is a blazer I'll be wearing at age 99. SO GOOD.
Last year I talked to my now 13y/o about how he now gets to BE a part of the Christmas magic for his little sister and everyone he loves. It was such a sweet moment, and he's done so beautifully. The magic changes, but it never ends!
Yes!! That’s what we discussed. Now you get to be a part of the magic for your sister and cousins! He actually bought her a gift with his chore money and is going to give it to her from Santa to see the reaction! 😭
The Santa convo is so so hard. I’ve always felt bad that I was lying but also felt so strongly that the magic is so so so so so magical!! That Christmas morning feeling. I know he still feels it, just in a different way.
Also love mood boarding, legit how I managed to pick out 1 million light fixtures in the new house. There should be a plaque that says House brought to you by Canva.
It was sooooo hard, but I knew he was ready. I love how he’s working so hard to keep the magic alive for his sister. And now he helps me!! He actually picked out a gift to get her and have it be from “Santa” so he can watch her open it on Christmas Day. Crackingggg up about the plaque! It’s so true lol!
That night, before he went to bed, he said, “Thank you and Dad for all the gifts you’ve gotten me over the years.”
😭😭😭😭 I had tears in my eyes reading this.
You’re such a smart, soulful person, Traci. I love that you are teaching your son to find magic in the moments. (I’m finding magic in your stirrup pant moment!)
Lindsay!! Thank you so much for taking the time to read! I’m never quite sure if I’m tackling this motherhood thing the right way, but I felt pretty proud of that moment. You tell no lies—the stirrup leggings are magical and would look FAB on you, or styled by you for the people!!
You always give me SO much to think about!!
I am just obsessed with the tree lighting outfit and must re create. Your style is theeeee best. 🥰🥰🥰
Thank you, Tara!!! You made my day! I’m so glad you’re here!!!! GO BU 🤣🐾🐾
I like the idea of the frames for things that aren't necessarily pictures !! I'm not a parent, but the convo with your son sounds so hard but I like Christina's take !!
So fun!! It was tough!! Christina is ridiculously wise! 🫶🏻🫶🏻 Thanks for reading, Ofelia! I can’t wait to try & make you proud on Tues’ post with my Tecovas!!
can’t wait to read it :)
These posts are always the perfect mix of heartfelt and fun!! I remember finding out Santa wasn't real which was heartbreaking but then realizing someone did all that stuff for me because they loved me?! That was the coolest. I love you in that red polo and also, I swear by Youtube ambiance for all things! Twins again!
Thank you, friend!! I think that’s exactly how my little guy felt. Sadness turned into extreme gratitude & appreciation!! You know the good stuff!!! Do you have an ambience of choice or do you go rogue based on the feeling??
Loving all of your ordinary moments of magic, they all made me smile. I'll swap French toast for pancakes, and you have made my household's Saturday the most magical breakfast.
Thank you, Evonne!! I LOVE A GOOD REASON TO INDULGE IN BREAKFAST DELIGHTS! I appreciate your support so very much!!!
Ps also in my first year of the elf, bc I also got asked “when is our elf coming, what’s up with not having one”. Our elf just moves, he doesn’t do anything silly bc that’s all the brain cells I’ve got!!!!
LOL, "What's up with not having one?" — I love it. That’s exactly like my sister’s elf, and mine when I get a little sleepy. It’s like, OOOH! Look, it moved from the counter to a chair!
Traci!!!! Taking notes for when I have to have this convo someday. I’m amazed by your approach (totally stealing) and your amazing son. What a lucky kiddo. Merry merry ❤️❤️
Thank you so much for the kind words. I'm a HUGE fan of your writing on Substack, so having you come here to read my work means so much to me! Big hugs!!
I took myself on a solo coffee date yesterday, and it was magical! The pre-ramble and recent outfits are always my faves. I love reading about the interactions you have with your kids. You’re the coolest!
THANK YOU! A solo coffee date sounds like a dream rn. I'm so glad you enjoyed the fits! Parenting ain't easy sometimes - but next week we can chat more about my OBGYN visit. LOL, no joke.
Cannot wait 🤣
Literally was in a panic this morning because we forgot to move the Elf last night! Also, that meme is me every morning being surprised, lol. Oh Traci, I dread the day I have to have that same conversation with my son, but you handled it SO well. He's 9, and is very curious now and asking a lot of questions to try and throw us off. I'm not ready yet to tell him the truth, but when I do, I will definitely take your direction, so thank you for sharing!! Also, your red Ralph Lauren button-up is haunting me - would love to add something like it to my wardrobe! Your outfit with the houndstooth blazer is also SO good!!
MARIA! Thank you so much for reading. THE LEGITIMATE TERROR that wakes me out of my sleep when I forget to move the elf or put $ under their pillows from the Tooth Fairy is crippling! Thank you for the kind words-- It was so spontaneous I wasn't prepared to go down this rabbit hole, but I think it went pretty smooth! The red RL button-down was such a great Depop find!! I hope you find one equally as fun. Appreciate you BEYOND words!! xx
i vote for magic 🩷
Magic is truly what you make of it, & allow yourself to dream and believe!
my favorite quote from the person who inspired me to become a writer.
I'm not crying, you're crying!!!! That's beautiful.
fact-checked.
It’s all so bittersweet sometimes! My almost 7 year old son asked me the other day “is Santa real, or a legend” and I was a little heartbroken. And I didn’t even want to “do” Santa before I had kids! Sighhhhhh
Sure is! Omg! I know, it’s tough. Santa IS a legend (an icon) but we aren’t ready to believe him as not being a magical red suited magician! I literally said to my son- well, yes— we have ALL been sort of lying to all of you lol 🤣
Your outfits are always 10/10 but this intro made me tear up a little! It’s so pure and innocent and honest. I hope to parent like you did in that moment one day when I’m asked the inevitable question of where magic comes from and what’s real. Your kids are so lucky to have a mom so dedicated to creating the magic. ❤️❤️
Marina!! Thank you for the kind words. I really brought the mood down this week, eh? 🤣 TY so much for the kind words!! I’m never sure if I’m doing an okay-enough job!!
You’re doing a great job! ❤️
🥰🥰🥰
Beautiful! Loved reading the sweet conversation you had with your kiddos, they really do give us pause, and showing them the magic in the mundane reminds us of it too 🥺. Also love every single detail of that houndstooth blazer outfit! ♥️
Thank you, Ritika! I'm never quite sure I'm doing this whole parenting thing right-- but in those moments I think I'm doing a halfway decent job! That is a blazer I'll be wearing at age 99. SO GOOD.
I hear you! As parents, we are learning on the job, and it’s a tough job!!
100% YES to this! 🫶🏻🫶🏻