The Magic of St. Nicholas Day
In Ukraine, the holiday season begins on December 6th with St. Nicholas Day. As a little girl, I’d wake up early, my heart pounding with excitement. There was something so enchanting about peeking under my pillow to find a small gift or treat left by St. Nicholas himself. It wasn’t about the size or value of the gift—it was the sheer magic of it all.

What about you? Did you have a similar tradition growing up?

The Glow of the Christmas Tree
One of my most vivid memories is decorating the Christmas tree with my family. Our tree wasn’t perfect—it leaned a little to one side, and the ornaments were a mix of old and new—but to me, it was the most beautiful thing in the world.

I remember the smell of fresh pine filling the room, the twinkling lights casting a warm glow, and the feeling of my parents’ love wrapping around us like a cozy hug. Those moments weren’t just about the decorations; they were about togetherness, laughter, and the pure joy of being with the people who mattered most.

Tell me, do you still decorate your tree every year?

The Sweet Taste of Holiday Treats
Ah, the smell of freshly baked cookies! My grandmother used to make the most delicious treats during the holidays. I’d watch her with wide eyes as she worked her magic in the kitchen, kneading dough and sprinkling sugar like a fairy godmother.

One year, I tried to “help” by adding extra sugar to her cookies, thinking it would make them sweeter. Let’s just say my experiment didn’t turn out as planned, but we laughed so much that day, and it became one of my favorite holiday memories.

Do you have a special holiday dish or dessert that takes you back to your childhood?

The First Snowfall
There’s something incredibly romantic about the first snowfall of the season, don’t you think? As a child, I’d press my nose against the frosty window, watching the snowflakes dance in the moonlight. My friends and I would bundle up in layers of clothing and race outside, our laughter filling the crisp air.

Snowball fights, building snowmen, and making snow angels—those were the moments when the world felt like our playground. Even now, the sight of snow falling softly brings back that childlike wonder.

How do you feel when you see the first snow of the year? Does it stir the same sense of magic in you?

Why These Memories Matter
As I write this, I realize how much these memories have shaped the person I am today. They’ve taught me to find joy in the little things, to cherish the people around me, and to believe in the magic of the season.

But what about you, my dear reader? What are the holiday memories that make your heart swell with warmth? Do you have a favorite story from your childhood that you’d love to share with someone special?

The holiday season is a time for reflection, connection, and, yes, a little bit of magic. So, if you’re like me and believe in the power of sharing stories, let’s talk. Let’s unwrap each other’s memories like precious gifts and see where our conversation takes us.