Sometimes, the best gifts don’t come wrapped in shiny paper or tucked under a tree. They come quietly, wrapped in small moments we almost miss.

And no, I don’t mean grandchildren—with five little boys not much comes quietly, but they add plenty of sparkle and joy to the season. I mean the simple things. Like the sound of a three-year-old’s uncontrollable belly laugh while playing peek-a-boo with the dog. Or that sweet, patient dog who plays right along.

These past couple of weeks, we’ve had extra grandkid time, and it’s been wonderful. For the first time in a long time, I let go of the noise—the politics, the worry, the hustle—and just lived in the moment.

One afternoon, as my husband drove down the interstate, I looked up and remembered what it felt like as a kid to find the art God paints in the clouds. It got downright funny as I started naming what I saw: a bunny, an airplane, a revolver, a Thanksgiving turkey, a dancing elephant, a bear lounging in a recliner, a clown face, and even a gorilla on a jet ski. (I have a witness.)

That simple drive reminded me how much joy still exists in this world—it’s just waiting for us to slow down enough to notice it. The season we’re entering isn’t really about what we get; it’s about remembering the gifts we already have.

So this Christmas, take a deep breath. Watch the clouds. Listen for laughter. Hug your people tight. And when the world feels heavy—just look up.

You might find joy riding by on a jet ski.

From our family to yours—Merry Christmas.