I have to admit, I was late catching the Christmas spirit this year. I can't pinpoint why but the warm weather in the South doesn't help. It wasn't just the weather, Christmas just seemed to get here too fast. Normally I enjoy each and every day with baking, shopping etc. My attitude completely changed right before the big day.
While I might have been late catching the spirit my son wasn't. He was excited every day at school with the ornament making and movie watching. He even reminded me that we need to make the trip to Santa's Village. It was then that I began to notice he was into the season more than I can ever remember. He excitedly told Santa his list being sure to include something for his new kitten. We enjoyed a wonderful evening in the Village. We returned home and he kept the spirit where my dwindled a bit.
In the days leading up to Christmas I had a friend loose a daughter, another loose a grandmother, family friend in the hospital with serious issues and my daughter's friend in the hospital fighting for his life. I have all this on my mind as I am in the living room on Christmas Eve. My son walks in beaming from ear to ear. Then it hits me: the small things.
I cherished every moment of present opening, the hours of watching him play the wii....even the silliness of a lil boy passing gas and laughing his head off. The things that would normally annoy me became the most precious gifts. For the first year ever, my son was excited about leaving a note and cookies for Santa. He even made sure I cut up enough apple for the reindeers.
With so much loss in the last two weeks I am reminded of just how wonderful every moment is in life. School is out for Christmas break and I can promise you I am going to love the lego mess in the dining room, the board games in the living room, the dirty clothes left in the bathroom, the Xbox blaring from the bedroom...after all it is the little things I am so thankful I have the opportunity to enjoy.
