When I was 17, my littlest brother was born. Now, almost three years later, I cannot imagine my life without him. He makes my day better every time I see him, and I'm so grateful for him. One of my favorite times of the year, even before Will was born, is Christmas time. I know that I am not alone on this-- nothing beats the holiday season. Since my brother was born, however, Christmas has become significantly more magical.

It's not that I wasn't excited for Christmas before the baby was born-- I still loved being surrounded by my family and decorating and presents, of course. But losing the magic of Santa when I was young always bummed me out a little. It was what made Christmas feel "magical" (actually magical, not cheesy "warm fuzzies" magical). Having a way younger sibling changed how I, as an adult, see Christmas, and I am so lucky.

Being 17 years older than your littlest sibling has its downfalls (I can't tell you how many times I've been mistaken for his mom), but it's also one of the most fun things I get to be. At Christmas, he gives us all a little extra holiday spirit. Though "Santa" went away a long time ago for my oldest brother and I, we have to keep up the idea of him for the little one. It makes Christmas that much more fun-- watching Will open his presents and seeing notes scribbled from Santa or seeing that all the cookies on the table have been eaten is entertaining to say the least. It's fun for us, but these things are some of the earliest memories he'll have. I think that's so cool.

Instead of just laying out decorations because it's tradition, we help him decorate the tree and explain to him what all of our old ornaments represent. He likes listening to the stories and seeing the pictures of his siblings in crappy, homemade frames from when we were little. He may be wise beyond his years, but watching him take in these stories and seeing his face light up when we plug in the Christmas tree truly makes me feel some kind of holiday spirit I haven't felt since long before he was born.

This may all sound super gooey, but I really just love this kid. I honestly see life so differently since he's been around, and I don't know what I would do without him. This time of year especially, I feel lucky. I have the best friends and family, including that little boy.

So this holiday season, take a second to hug the little ones in your life. I don't care if it's a younger sibling, cousin, a kid you babysit or even a neighbor's kid; just appreciate them. They still see the magic in the world.