When you are little, Christmas is such a huge event in your life. Everything in the month of December has a purpose and it all leads up to the big event of "Santa" and "Jesus' birthday". It's a festivity for the senses, each one combining to make the magic real.
First, it's the sights of Christmas. The much anticipated Christmas tree is brought home. A two to three day celebration commences of sparkling lights, curly ribbons, and keepsake ornaments being hung on the branches. After all is complete, there is a sparkling beacon of light that illuminates your living room during the time of year when the sun just doesn't shine long enough each day. It's such a sight to take in. Magical.
Then, you have the sounds of Christmas. The melodies echo in the halls of school, the sanctuary of church, and on the radio. Any song choice from secular to religious just hit the right spot in your soul. It instantly makes you tap your foot, bob your head back and forth, or in the after math of a delicious cranberry cocktail, dance like an idiot. (Adam and I have no experience in the afore mentioned dance styles.................)
Then there is the smells and tastes of Christmas.
Cinnamon, sugar, and spice.
Vanilla, evergreens, and freshly fallen snow.
Hot chocolate, marshmallows, and peppermint.
And cookies.
Yum.
And of course the sensation of touch. The warm embraces from family. Cuddling up in a fuzzy blanket in front of a fire. Even though the world around you feels cold, the spirit of the holiday is warmth. It's so amazing.
I don't want to sound like a pessimist when I say up until this year I had pretty much forgotten most of what Christmas was like as a kid, but it sounds just like that. Don't get me wrong, I love the holidays and all that it encompasses. It just no longer feels childlike. It was becoming a very "adult" holiday with presents to buy, numerous functions to attend, and a very rushed spirit of 24 short days before the big event. Thankfully, some of that faded this year for one big reason.
This year, Santa didn't come for me. He came for Hayden...
Post toy set up snack. I can now see why Santa needs all those cookies..
I will never forget seeing my child's face when he walked into the living room at my mom's house. I know he doesn't even begin to comprehend the idea of Santa. It's the last thing on a 16 month olds mind. But the amazing part was, he instantly knew the presents proudly displayed at the front of the living room were for him.
And a celebratory clap commenced.
I felt the excitement of a child inside of me while watching run to them. He studied carefully for a moment waiting for the Mommy/Daddy approval nod to touch the toys. He smiled as he grab for the toy trucks on top of his new parking garage. Squeals and giggles followed when he realized they made "real" car noises. After Adam helped him to push a truck down the ramp, he then let out a full on belly laugh. Then he discovered the mega blocks tables. Off he went to explore with more baby grins. I was a smitten idiot. And it was glorious. So much more joy and love than I could have ever expected to feel on a holiday. Ever.
Of course, he had no interest in actually unwrapping any presents and his attention span soon gravitated towards a camera left on the coffee table, but the ten minutes he spent exploring his new toys made me remember a big part of the holiday season. It's not about the holiday rush, expectations, and responsibilities. It's about the anticipation and the gift of love we give to others. Even if I have to be the adult these days, the reward of the season comes in the small joys.
Thank you sweet Hayden for helping me to remember what it's really all about. I can't wait for you to learn what the real gift of Christmas is. I hope God keeps the joy of the season in your spirit as you grow. I'm one lucky momma.
