Christmas 2013

 There's a lot of magic in Christmas for our family. Its always been that way for me growing up, and now I like to think we are creating that for the boys. I hope they remember these visits as times that were filled with love, excitement, compassion, hope and a sense of wholehearted giving.

When Christmas morning rolled around they wiggled out of bed, bright-eyed and bushy tailed. This year it was 8 in the morning or so and they wondered if Santa had made a stop at Nana and Papa's. We wandered down the stairs to see that he had indeed arrived and Collin actually squealed with delight. It was the sound of pure joy. I can't even describe how his little bit of pure happiness made my heart soar.

Owen was just a few steps behind and as if overwhelmed by the gifts, he approached the tree and just stood in awe. Here he is admiring all the many gifts.  These few moments, before all the gifts have been opened and everyone is excited about sharing the joy of giving with someone else is one of my favorite parts of Christmas. I love that little bit of time in anticipation. Honestly, if I had my way we'd just sit like that for awhile. I don't see any need to actually open the gifts, instead lets just bask in the happiness that comes with that moment.

Alas, though, preschoolers don't exactly like that idea.

And so the exchange began, gifts here there and everywhere. The boys opened some train track and accessories from Santa (who brought a few gifts to Michigan but left the rest in Minnesota) and they were all set. So much so that they really didn't want to open anything else. Collin, at one point said, "Jayla, you can open the rest of my gifts."

That was so refreshing to hear from a 4 year old. He was all set with his few train toys and didn't need anything else. I love that the boys aren't greedy, as we work very very very very hard to instill kindness, generosity and empathy in them. Its a tireless effort, but in those moments when you can see bits of it shine through, its oh so very rewarding.

The day went on with the usual magic. The boys played and played and played until we had to convince them that getting dressed would probably be best before dinner, and we ate and ate and ate, napped and played some more. I love spending time with them when there is nothing else pressing to do. Simply getting to enjoy the moment and insert myself in the joys of a 3 and 4 year old's world.