My hubby and I went away on a last-minute trip last week, and I had yet to put a single holiday decoration up… not even a tree.

When we returned late Sunday night, I saw candles in the windows and knew something was up. We walked in the house to a fully decorated great room, Christmas lights, incense burning, and a warm fire in the fireplace.

Oh, the love
Oh, the joy
Oh, the Christmas spirit

(And, oh, that’s why my kids asked what time we were arriving back home several times!)

My heart melted into yet another unforeseen perk of these big kid years: when the acts of love and service we do for our family circle back around.

I told my daughter I still hadn’t decorated before we left, and because she loves to come home to a cozy, Christmasy home, she decided to step into the role for me. So, she, her loving partner, and my middle son snuck over to our house last Sunday and selflessly set everything up for the big surprise.

2021 will go down as one of my favorite years as far as decorations go because so much love and intention went into the process. Not to mention, all three of them were very creative in arranging the annual décor in fresh and appealing ways.

Now I look forward to getting the ‘real’ tree with them this weekend.

These moments signify what life with our kids is all about.