Born in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus lays down his sweet head…

Last week, I took my three-year old Scarlett to the movie theater where a new kids’ movie was playing. We left the guys at home to work on our consignment sale bulls, and Scarlett and I enjoyed a fun mommy/daughter date complete with comfy seats, a big screen and of course, movie treats!

While I normally wouldn’t drag my squirmy toddler to a public place like a movie theater, she’s really gotten into everything Christmas this year. She’s loved decorating the tree, making goodies in the kitchen, wrapping presents and learning about the true meaning of Christmas. She plays with her children’s version of the nativity scene every night before bed, and it just melts your heart listening to her talk about baby Jesus being born in a manger.

View the gallery: Christmas elves get to work on the ranch

So of course, when I saw a preview for the movie, “The Star,” I knew it would be something Scarlett would really enjoy. If you haven’t seen it yet, The Star is about Christmas and the story of the night Jesus was born. Told from the perspective of a brave donkey named Bo and his sidekick, a sweet sheep named Ruth, the movie tells the story of the animals that follow the star to Bethlehem and make sure Jesus is born safely and away from the evil grasps of King Herod and his henchmen.

Scarlett was at the edge of her seat through the whole movie, and since then, she’s talked non-stop about baby Jesus coming and celebrating His birthday. The movie was truly a fun one that reinforced the lessons we’re trying to teach at home, and it’s memories like this, going to the movies together, that we’ll one day look back on and cherish.

Sure, adults and kids alike can get caught up in the consumerism that has overtaken the holiday season, but if we slow down for a minute and really take the time to remember the true reason we celebrate Christmas, our hearts will be filled with gratefulness and our minds will be at peace with a renewed appreciation for our family, friends and life’s many blessings.

READ: A rifle for Christmas

Today, we’ll celebrate Christmas at home. We’ll feed cattle, go to church, open presents from Santa, enjoy a prime rib dinner, and settle in to watch Christmas movies and relax. We’ll be thankful that we’re together and focus less on what’s underneath the tree and more on what really matters.

Watching Christmas magic happen from the eyes of your children is truly a blessing I don’t take for granted, and acting out the nativity story on the living room floor with my babies is about as good as it gets.

Merry Christmas from my ranch to yours. May your day be filled with love, laughter, joy and gratitude.

The opinions of Amanda Radke are not necessarily those of beefmagazine.com or Farm Progress.