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Every December, our family pulls out the boxes of ornaments, the tangled lights, and the cocoa mugs that only appear once a year. It’s joyful and chaotic, a mix of glitter, cookies, and carols, but sometimes, in the rush to make everything magical, I forget why we do it all in the first place.

This year, I wanted to slow things down and help Emilia and Nicholas connect with the meaning behind our Christmas traditions. That’s when I received a new book published by Loyola Press: The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning Behind Our Most Cherished Traditions by Megan Alexander.

A Book That Brings Christmas Traditions to Life

In The True Gifts of Christmas, author Megan Alexander takes 25 of our most beloved holiday symbols such as candy canes, stockings, wreaths, Christmas trees, and Santa Claus, and unwraps the stories and symbolism behind each one.

Each chapter explores a single tradition and its deeper purpose, showing how these customs reflect love, generosity, hope, and faith. What I love most is that the book doesn’t feel like a history lesson. It feels like a cozy conversation. You can easily read one story each night with your family leading up to Christmas, making it a gentle and reflective countdown to the big day.

Emilia especially loved learning that the candy cane’s shape and colors have special meanings, while Nicholas was thrilled to “hunt” for candy canes around the house afterward. Every chapter gives you a simple way to bring the message to life, whether it’s crafting, baking, or performing a small act of kindness.

Why This Book Belongs in Every Family’s Holiday Season

The True Gifts of Christmas is a beautiful reset from the holiday rush. Between shopping lists, parties, and school events, it’s easy to feel like the season races by, but this book helps families pause, even for just 10 minutes, to focus on connection over consumption. The writing is warm and accessible, making it easy to adapt for all ages. Emilia can understand the reflections, while Nicholas enjoys the hands-on activities that follow.

How We’re Bringing It to Life

Here’s a glimpse of our upcoming holiday lineup inspired by The True Gifts of Christmas:

🎄 The Christmas Tree – We’ll decorate while talking about how the evergreen reminds us of the everlasting love of God. Emilia will share one “gift” she wants to give that isn’t wrapped, like kindness or patience.

🍬 Candy Canes – We’ll do a candy cane scavenger hunt for Nicholas and end with cocoa while reading the story behind its red and white stripes.

🎁 Stockings and Giving – Each of us will pick a person to surprise with a small act of giving, such as a note, a treat, or a handmade craft.

🌟 Nativity Scene – On Christmas Eve, we’ll reflect on what the true gifts of Christmas have been for our family this year.

🎅 Advent Calendars – I got the kids this Magna-Tiles Advent Calendar for a fun Christmas countdown.

The True Gifts of Christmas isn’t just a great addition to your family bookshelf. It’s a meaningful gift for teachers, grandparents, or friends who love the season but crave something deeper than glitter and wrapping paper.

Closing Thoughts

If you’ve ever wished Christmas could feel just a little slower and a little more intentional, The True Gifts of Christmas is the perfect place to start. It’s not about doing more; it’s about remembering why we celebrate in the first place.

This year, our family is choosing to unwrap not just the presents under the tree, but the true gifts that have been there all along: love, gratitude, and togetherness.

What holiday tradition holds the most meaning in your home?
Tell me in the comments or tag @realmofvibes on Instagram. I’d love to hear your stories and see how your family celebrates the true gifts of Christmas.

Be sure to check out Megan Alexander and Loyola Press on Instagram!