Sometimes being the oldest can be tedious and sometimes incredibly tiresome. This is especially true if there is a large age gap between yourself and your other siblings, for example with me and the 12 to 15 year age difference that separates me from my 3 younger siblings. But the spirit of Christmas in my family would definitely be one of my favorite things.

Now that my siblings are getting older, and the idea of them beginning to not believe is fast approaching and it really reminds me to keep the magic alive.

It started when I was in middle school. I was “Santa’s Elf” because I wrapped most of the presents. And then over the years I’ve taught them some of the traditions from my childhood. I taught them to always write in their letters to Santa that we keep the milk in the fridge so it doesn’t go bad. I helped them buy their gifts for others and I even helped them wrap, still do now that their older.

The real magic, I discovered, was getting to be “Santa.” I was promoted over the years, to retrieving the gifts out of their hiding places on Christmas Eve. I became the one to reply to letters left on the table, because I could change my handwriting. I got to help eat the cookies and strategically leave a crumb trail.

I got to enjoy stuffing my moms stockings over the years so she too could get to be surprised on Christmas morning. These were the moments I cherished, getting to share the fun stuff with my family, getting to see their faces light up. And getting to be more excited about Christmas morning to see their faces!

Last year I got to help with my youngest sibling as I spent Christmas Eve with that side of the family for the first time I can remember. It was strange to get to help in their traditions but it also had an air of magic to it in its own way.

Christmas Eve has always been pretty special to my moms side and it feels like all the adults play into the Christmas charm and spirit for the little kids.

It's magical to watch the kids hear the jingle bells in the distance (aka two rooms over!) and to look for Santa in the sky from the windows. Mom and I always end the night driving under the big lit up snowflake on Christmas while listening to Christmas music.

Some traditions change over the years, and some you take on different roles. But it's amazing to watch little kids light up with excitement.