Keeping the Magic
January Joy for Arizona Families The decorations are packed away, the last of the cookies have been eaten, and suddenly January stretches before us—long, ordinary, and a little empty. For Arizona families, the post-holiday slump can feel especially pronounced when the rest of the country is cozying up with snow days while we’re still wearing shorts. But here’s what I’ve learned as a mom: magic doesn’t have to end with the holidays. Sometimes the sweetest family moments happen in the quiet weeks that follow, when we stop rushing and start simply being together. Reclaiming Our Desert Winter Yes, our January evenings might be fifty degrees instead of freezing, but that’s actually perfect. Grab some blankets, make hot cocoa (because hot drinks taste better outside, even in Arizona), and spread out in the backyard to stargaze. Our desert skies are spectacular, and kids love learning to spot constellations. No special equipment needed—just you, them, and the universe above. And speaking of outside—when was the last time you made s’mores? A simple backyard campout transforms an ordinary Saturday into an adventure. Pitch a tent, tell stories, let the kids use flashlights past bedtime. It costs almost nothing but creates memories that last.
Bringing Winter Inside For little ones missing “real” winter, try creating window frost using Epsom salt dissolved in warm water. Paint it on windows with sponges or brushes, and suddenly your Arizona home looks like a winter wonderland. It’s messy, it’s imperfect, and the kids absolutely love it. Let them add glitter if you’re feeling brave. (It washes off, I promise.) Turn it into an art afternoon—frost the windows, sip cocoa, play music. These unstructured hours together matter more than we realize. The Gift of Ordinary Magic January doesn’t need elaborate plans or expensive outings. It needs presence. It needs permission to slow down after the holiday chaos. The pressure we put on ourselves—to be perfect parents, to provide constant entertainment—melts away when we remember that what our children want most is simply us. So here’s to January. To backyard adventures and messy art projects. To hot cocoa under desert stars. To finding magic in the ordinary, together.
YOU NEED A PARTNER YOU CAN TRUST. Not just a CPA. Not just a service provider. But a true partner. An expert to help you make key financial decisions, and a guide to help you navigate complex situations. Partner with a CPA who’s part of your community. Gary Frisch, CPA, MBA 12455 W. Bell Road, Surprise, AZ 85378 623.975.7586 | www.LandmarkCPAs.com
6 Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine
January 2026
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