Posted in Moments and Musings

The Year That Stretched Me: A Reflection

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

As 2025 comes to a close, I like to take time to reflect on the year—what it’s taught me, how it’s stretched me, and what I’m carrying with me into 2026.

2025 was a year of change. Beautiful, emotional, uncomfortable, growing kind of change.

The highlight of my year was becoming a grandmother. It has brought me more joy than I ever imagined, but it also stirred up unexpected emotions. I found myself wishing I lived closer to my daughter and her family. I want to be the one who pops over to help when the baby is fussy, who babysits at a moment’s notice, who gives my daughter an afternoon off when she’s overwhelmed. Those longings led to moments of, “I’m not happy here.”

Since I bought a house with my sister last year, my living situation is set for a while. But what surprised me was the wave of grief I felt—grief over not being there for my daughter and granddaughter in the way my heart wanted. So I took those feelings to God, and He gently gave me my word for 2026: content.

Not “content” as in social media content—but content as in satisfied, at peace, rooted in gratitude.

I found myself thinking about my own mother, and how different our situations are. When my girls were born, I lived in Texas—over 1,100 miles away from her. She was a three-hour plane ride away from her granddaughters. I’m a three-hour car ride away from mine. She saw my girls once a year. I see little Sophia at least once a month. My mom saw her granddaughters grow up in pictures I mailed to her. I get daily photos and videos sent instantly to my phone.

In so many ways, technology has become my best friend. My mom didn’t have this. I’m blessed. And God reminded me of that. He reminded me that if needed, I can be in the car and with my granddaughter in just a few hours. And, bonus—there’s an Amtrak route from Joliet to Springfield, which my daughter has already taken several times for quick visits.

God also started pruning things in me—little things, but things that were stealing my peace. Like stressing over the temperature in the house. Menopause is unpredictable, and I can’t expect everyone around me to match my changing thermometer. What used to feel big has become small, and I’m learning to just let it be.

I started school this year—and then realized school isn’t for me right now. But I also learned something important: I actually AM smart enough. That lesson alone was worth it.

I’ve set some goals for 2026 that touch my physical well-being, my mental health, and my creativity. And I’ve been leaning more into what God wants me to do, not just what I want to do. One thing He made clear? I’ve become very whiny this year. Very complainy.

One day while walking the dog and having my usual “I’m not happy with my life” internal rant, the Holy Spirit cut me off with a loud, clear “STOP COMPLAINING.” And I literally stopped in my tracks. He was right. I’ve been complaining about things that many people are praying for—a good job, a beautiful home, stability. That realization shifted something deep in me. And with that shift, God started giving me ideas on how to improve both my home and my work life.

This season of pruning hasn’t always felt good—but correction rarely does. Yet I’m grateful for it. A loving father corrects His children, and I know I am deeply loved by God. This season has helped me release old hurts I didn’t even know I was carrying.

2025 was also a year of unexpected provision. My car accident ultimately allowed me to pay off almost all my debt—aside from buying a new car. And that new car has been such a blessing, not only to me but also to my family. My sister and I were also able to refinance the house. Now I’m this close to being debt-free except for my home and my car. My stretch goal for 2026? Pay off that car.

It’s a big goal—but I serve a big God, and He finishes what He starts.

As for this Christmas season, for the first time in many years, all my shopping was done in cash and kept beautifully simple. With my home decorated and the presents wrapped early, I’ve spent the rest of the year wrapped in the comfort and coziness of my home, surrounded by as much family as can be here.

2025 has been a challenging year of personal growth, but a meaningful one. I’m finally starting to feel more like the version of Vikki that God wants me to be.

And I can’t wait to see what 2026 brings.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
Posted in Moments and Musings

Passing Down More Than Traditions

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

After we moved back home from Texas, life felt like it was shifting in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time. We were planting ourselves again—finding our footing, rebuilding routines, and learning what “home” really meant. It was during that season that I began a few simple Christmas traditions with my girls. At the time, they felt small. Looking back now, I can see how God was using them to build something much bigger.

The first tradition was an ornament each year—one that represented who they were in that season of life. A favorite hobby, an inside joke, a milestone year. The plan was always that one day, when they had homes and families of their own, those ornaments would go with them. A reminder that they were loved, seen, and cherished long before they ever hung a tree of their own.

Scripture tells us to “remember the deeds of the Lord” (Psalm 77:11). Those ornaments became a visual reminder of God’s faithfulness through the years—through moves, changes, growth, and grace.

The second tradition was opening one gift from Santa on Christmas Eve: Christmas “jammies”, or pajamas. Nothing extravagant. Just something new and cozy to sleep in and to wear on Christmas morning while we gathered around the tree. It was about creating a sense of anticipation and togetherness—a quiet, holy pause before the celebration.

Christmas Eve always reminds me of waiting. Waiting for morning. Waiting for light. Waiting for the fulfillment of a promise. Much like the world waited for a Savior, we rested in the stillness, knowing joy was coming.

The third tradition was socks in the stocking. Honestly, we thought it was funny—and it stuck. But even that small, practical gift carries meaning now. God cares about the everyday needs just as much as the big moments. Scripture reminds us that He provides everything we need (Matthew 6:32), sometimes in the simplest ways.

Today, those traditions are being passed down to my granddaughter.

I bought her her very first Christmas ornament—tiny and perfect, marking the beginning of her story. Santa delivered her Christmas jammies early this year. And of course, I found the tiniest socks to place in her very first Christmas stocking.

As I held those little items in my hands, I was reminded that legacy isn’t built in grand gestures. It’s built in consistency. In showing up. In creating spaces where love, faith, and joy are felt year after year.

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 tells us to impress God’s commands on our children—to talk about them at home, along the way, in the coming and the going. Sometimes, that looks like Bible study and prayer. And sometimes, it looks like ornaments, pajamas, and socks—quiet traditions that whisper, This is who we are. This is where we belong. This is how God has loved us.

Some traditions are worth carrying forward—not because they’re perfect, but because they point to a faithful God who never changes, from generation to generation.

Photo by Anshu A on Unsplash
Posted in Moments and Musings

Top Five Favorite Christmas Movies

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

Christmas movies are my absolute favorite. They’re filled with hope, redemption, love, comfort, and joy—everything that makes this season feel magical. There’s nothing I treasure more than curling up with a crochet project, a mug of hot chocolate, my warmest blanket, and my dog by my side, getting completely lost in the nostalgia of childhood Christmases.

And yes… I’m a Hallmark movie junkie to my very core.

So today, I wanted to share my top favorite Christmas movies—the ones I return to year after year, the ones that make the season feel whole, and the ones that never fail to bring a smile (or a few happy tears).

1.      A Christmas Carol – The theme of redemption runs strong through this story. I’ve always loved both the book and the movie. There’s something powerful about watching the buildup—seeing all the moments that shaped Scrooge into who he is. I love how the story forces us to confront the future and consider how different things could be if we made positive changes in our own lives (I think many of us could use a dose of that!). But my favorite part will always be the transformation itself—watching Scrooge rediscover joy and seeing how that joy spreads to everyone around him.

By the way, I love the Reginald Owen version, the Patrick Stewart version and the Disney version.

2.      The Man Who Invented Christmas – This film tells the story of Charles Dickens during the creation of A Christmas Carol. As a writer, I love watching how he absorbs everything around him—every interaction, every emotion—and transforms it into such a timeless masterpiece. One of the most powerful moments is his reunion with his deeply flawed father, which helps him confront and accept his own imperfections. This movie has become an annual must-watch for me.

3.      The Christmas Candle – This movie, based on Max Lucado’s story, is pure magic for me. It follows a preacher who is asked to serve as minister in the small town of Gladbury, a town with a unique tradition: every 25 years, an angel is believed to visit the town’s candlemaker and bless a single candle. Whoever receives this candle will be granted a miracle in the form of answered prayer. Faith is the central theme, as we watch the minister struggle to reconcile his skepticism with this cherished town fable. As the story unfolds, God’s faithfulness becomes evident through the answered prayers, ultimately restoring the minister’s faith in both God and humanity. This heartwarming tale is sure to leave you with happy tears. Adding to the magic, there’s a recurring song throughout the movie, beautifully performed by Susan Boyle.

4.      It’s a Wonderful Life – No holiday movie list would be complete without this classic. I have fond memories of watching it with my mom, and the final scenes never fail to bring tears as George Bailey is recognized as the “richest man in town” because of his friends. I love the theme of selflessness embodied in George—he gives everything he has to others, often at the expense of his own dreams, so that those around him can succeed. Yet, in his moment of greatest need, the very people he helped rally around him, providing support and care beyond his expectations. It’s a beautiful reminder that giving to others often comes back to us in the most meaningful ways.

5.      A Christmas Story – Another must-watch movie makes the list. Years ago, TNT would run this movie on repeat every Christmas Day. After my mom passed, we cut the cable cord and moved to streaming services. My girls and I then started a new tradition: watching this movie each Christmas morning while enjoying cinnamon rolls and unwrapping gifts. It’s a silly, nostalgic, and hilarious film—definitely worth watching at least once during the season.

I’ve shared my top five Christmas movies…now it’s your turn! 🎄🍿 Spill your favorites in the comments—I need more for my holiday watchlist!

Posted in Moments and Musings

Christmas Gifts Your Kids Will Remember

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

These days, all I have to do is open my phone, and I’m bombarded with gift ideas for children. From toys to electronics, the market is flooded with images of happy kids unwrapping their latest gadget with sheer bliss on their faces.

I hear it everywhere—coworkers and friends lamenting over finding the “perfect” gift, trying to fulfill every item on their child’s wish list. People often go into debt (toys are expensive these days) to give children the latest technology—only to have those same requests resurrected and made even more expensive the following year.

A few years ago, my dad gave me my favorite Christmas gift ever. He took all our family photos—years’ worth that had only existed on projector slides—and put them on a disk. My whole childhood, my family history, and my parents’ story were wrapped up and placed under the tree. Best gift ever!

So here’s my list of the top five gifts for kids they won’t easily forget:

1. Time – I don’t remember many of the gifts I received as a child. But I do remember the time spent with family: huge Christmas Eve gatherings at my aunt’s house with her famous cookies, midnight mass with my mom holding my hand while we sang Silent Night, and the chaos and laughter at my dad and stepmom’s house, often ending with Brandy Alexanders. No gift is more valuable than time together.

2. Handmade gifts – My daughter bakes treats each year to give as gifts. I treasure those, especially paired with a cup of coffee. I’ve made blankets for friends that I still see in their homes today. My sister makes jewelry. Even if it’s a small ornament for a child’s tree, handmade gifts are inexpensive, meaningful, and long-lasting.

3. Tickets to an event – Some of my fondest memories are trips my dad took us on, like seeing the Christmas lights on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. I’ve recreated that tradition with my daughters at Zoolights at Brookfield Zoo, and I’ve shared The Nutcracker with Emilie at the local college—just as my dad shared it with me years ago. These experiences become lasting memories.

4. Books – Reading to your children or giving them books is a gift that lasts. A library card costs nothing, and libraries often host free events for kids around the holidays. The memories formed through shared stories are priceless.

5. Hobbies – Sharing your hobbies with a child can be one of the most meaningful gifts. When my older daughter expressed interest in crochet, I got her a crochet hook set with a case. I had started crocheting myself after receiving a set that belonged to my stepmom’s mother. Gifts that foster hobbies create ongoing joy and shared experiences.

The main idea is simple: don’t go broke or go into debt on gifts your kids won’t remember a year from now. Time, experiences, creativity, books, and shared hobbies are gifts that truly last.

Photo by Eugene Zhyvchik on Unsplash
Posted in Who Am I

Introducing Myself

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

Hi, I’m Vikki Lynn, and I’m genuinely grateful you’ve found your way here to my little corner of the internet.

A bit about me: I’m a single mom to two amazing adult daughters who continue to teach me more about love, patience, and resilience than I ever expected to learn. Recently, I stepped into one of the sweetest roles of my life—becoming a grandmother. My granddaughter has already brought so much joy into my world, and she’s a big part of why I reflect so often on family, purpose, and the legacy we leave behind.

I share a home with my sisters and my eldest daughter, which means there is always someone to laugh with, talk things through with, or split a late-night cup of coffee with. (If there’s one thing you’ll learn about me quickly, it’s that coffee is basically a personality trait at this point.)

Faith is another big part of who I am. I’m a Christian, and while I’m far from perfect, I try to live each day with grace, gratitude, and a desire to grow. You’ll see glimpses of that woven through the things I write—whether I’m reflecting on life, sharing lessons learned, or simply talking about the little blessings that show up unexpectedly.

I’m also someone who finds comfort in creativity. Put a crochet hook or an embroidery hoop in my hands and I’m instantly at peace. Whether it’s making something warm and cozy or stitching something meaningful for someone I love, those quiet, creative moments are where I recharge. And when I’m not crafting, you’ll often find me tucked away with a good book, a soft blanket, and (of course) a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

This blog is a space where all of those pieces of my life come together—my family, my faith, my creativity, my reflections, and my desire to grow through every season. My hope is that something you read here makes you feel seen, encouraged, inspired, or simply a little less alone in your own journey.

Thank you for being here. Truly. I’m excited to share this space with you and see where it leads.

From the left to the right: My older daughter Shelby, my younger daughter Emilie and me!