Countdown to Christmas – Keeping the Magic

I kept the magic alive for my kids for as long as I could – and I still do even as they are adults (numerically at least, they will always be my babies.) In our house, Santa used computer labels; wrapped in different paper; wrapped neater and cleaner than mom; and piled his presents in the front of everything else. The best most desired presents came from him. Why? Because I wanted to give my kids the gift of magic. I wanted them to know that there is so much more to this world than what you see on the surface. Kindness, love, loyalty, friendship, faith – all things to believe in. The intangible things are more important than the material things and among those is the belief in magic. The knowledge that there are things that happen beyond our understanding – the dream from a relative long gone; the call from a friend just when you need them the most; the text from mom that says hey – I love you and I hope you are doing okay, when you feel like the world is against you; the moment you fall in love; the joy of holding your own babies; the opportunity that comes along when you can’t take another day – all these things are what make life worth living. Santa was magic. I always told them, and still do, that I believe in Santa. He is found in the kindness of strangers; in acts of charity, especially at the holiday season; in happy wishes and friendly greetings; in the gathering of friends and family. Santa, for me will always be real.

That being said, as much as I tried to keep the idea of Santa in their little hearts – my son found out from one of his best friends way earlier than I would have liked. My daughter hedged her bets and kept believing, but challenged Santa every chance she could. I remember one of those challenges distinctly. It was a Jesse McCartney doll – he was all the rage once upon a time. My daughter will still go see him if he comes around. And she knew – she knew – because Toys R Us was right around the corner and visited often – that one did not exist. However, a mom will go to great lengths for her children. I purchased a Ken doll, or it could have been Todd, cut and died the hair and found or made an outfit similar to what he wore. Creating the box was a little more tricky, but my mom and I worked together and managed (yes, this insanity is generational.) I found a way, to give them just what they asked for because those little gifts (that were inexpensive and homemade) meant the world to them.

Find a way to keep the magic alive for the people in your life – even adults need to laugh and play.