Holiday Cheer

It has been a season filled with much love and tradition. I can’t believe Christmas is upon us. It seems as though the calendar took a turbo pass through the months of November and December. I think this year we have more to be thankful then in years past. This is a blessing in of itself. As I see and hear so many people playing Scrooge or hearing the repetitive, “I just want it to be over. I hate it.” I cringe. As I wish for just one more week…

I would be happy for an extra day to enjoy the magic. The magic only this season brings.

I want to see your faces at the site of a lit holiday tree. I want to witness the pure joy and wonder the glimmer and shimmer brings.

I want to watch you, Kaden, at 6:30 in the morning choose the days 12 Days of Christmas package from your bag and then choose Ashton’s. You take the gifts to the living room and I set them on the mantel for evening to share in the delight with Dada and often GG. This year was filled with surprises from a photo book for Kade, Hallmark ornaments for you both and a ‘miscalculating’ penny bank for Sprite.

I want one more “Festival of December” hot cocoa event with TaTa. We drove PIR, Queen Anne (closed!), Zoo Lights (Kade for 9 days there after you’ve asked to see “oo iItes.”) and Aspen Meadow. We also checked out The Delights of December in Milwaukie and the Christmas Ship during the Bonfire. Next year we plan to rev it up with The Polar Express train ride.

I want one more “My First Christmas” onsies and silly Santa hat moment.
I want one more package to wrap, so Kaden you can pick out the best gift tag. You take so much thought as you look through the stickers. You even debate between a couple. When you choose you say the receivers name with pride and point. Even now this makes me smile.

I want one more day filled (literally from 6am until Daddy is home at 3:45) with holiday music. We dance and dance throughout the day. Ashton, you have even started finding your rhythm waving your hand in the air and giggle to a song.

I want one more day of Kaden asking to see lights after dinner. So, we load you boys up and drive around looking at houses between home and Gladstone.

I want one more day of hot buttered rums… well, okay I can have these well into the New Year.

I want one more day of hearing bells ringing outside the doors of the market. It is the Salvation Army. Kaden I give you the change from the cashier and a choice. You may put it in your penny bank or you may give it to the bell ringer. You have always chosen to put your change in the red ‘penny bank’ without hesitation.

I want one more day to catch the unexpected smell of cinnamon and pine.

I want one more day of Kaden asking or talking about ‘Sasa” (Santa). You call him on your cell phone. You speak about him through the day. You notice him in photos or packaging while we are running around town. He is your new friend.

I want one more day of listening to one of you boys opening “The Night Before Christmas” book GG recorded last year for the 12 Days of Christmas. I want to watch Kaden’s face as he hears GG’s voice read, “Merry Christmas Kaden; and to all a good night!” as each time is as if he heard it for the first time.

I want one more day to find an occasion to get all our loved ones together to celebrate our blessings.

I want one more day to tantalize the taste buds with Eggnog or Gingerbread Lattes.
I want one more day to sit in the early morning hours with the only light on in our home being the Christmas tree. We have enjoyed many buttered toast and juice breakfasts by the tree.

I want one more day…

I want one more day so others can take time to find the magic, too. It is here for us all to enjoy. We have all had a ‘bad’ year: tragedy, loss or life alterations. I know I have had my share of ‘hard’ years. However, at the end of the year I rekindle a newness brining peace and hope. This is what embodies the holiday; and I am so glad to feel it each and every single year.

I am looking forward to our holiday ahead. I know there is great wonder and exploration ahead. I am sure the wrapping paper will cover your little bodies ever so quickly. I am looking forward to bringing traditions your Dad has known as well as those I grew up with as we find our own along the way.

I want one more day to feel the magic. I do realize do indeed have more week, but this won’t be enough.