Christmas Eve 2009

There is nothing like seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child.  To witness the magic of it.  The joy of it.  Just nothing like it.  Our day was full.  Full of fun and frivolity.  Even though I worked a half-day today, from the afternoon on, we packed it to the brim with the magic of the holiday.  The kids’ babysitter came by this afternoon and hung out with us, and we exchanged presents.  She is so much more than their babysitter; through the past year, she has become a member of our family, and we’re very lucky to have her.

Santa called Nick this afternoon for his annual chat.  He told Nick that he was on the “good” list.  Did you hear the sigh of relief all the way over there?  But he said he wasn’t on the tippy-top of the list, but was somewhere in the middle.  As Nick went to bed tonight, anxious for Santa’s arrival, he got upset about what Santa said, and worried that if he was still going to come.  Poor thing.  I felt terrible and I reassured him that he is a great kid, and he had absolutely nothing to worry about.  And he is.  Hosting a holiday get-together and taking care of everything on my own is sometimes a bit of a challenge, but he was a huge help, wandering in and asking me many times what he could do to help.  He tidied up the playroom and the living room and set the dinner table for me.  Even though he gets a bit mouthy upon occasion, I couldn’t ask for a better kid.

Tonight, a little before our family was due for dinner, the fire department made their way through the streets of our town, with Santa on board, ready to hand out candy to the kids in the neighborhood.  I love the tradition of hearing the blaring siren and seeing the flashing lights, heralding Santa’s arrival on our street.  Nick knows that it’s not the real Santa, for he’s far too busy tonight, but he still gets just as excited as if it was.  Poor Madeline was napping during this.  Given her hesitant relationship with the big man, it’s just as well.  I don’t want to push my luck.

Dinner went off without a hitch, and was completely stress-free.  I cheated with the lasagna, and probably had way too many pre-dinner munchies, but that’s half the fun of it … feasting on all the delicious leftovers for days after.  No better way to prolong a holiday.

I’ll leave you with a few pictures of our evening.  The kids.  The food.  The fun.  From our home (and kitchen!) to yours … may you have a truly awesome holiday filled with all the magic possible.  Just believe.