How old were you when you found out the awful truth about Santa? I don’t remember how old I was, but I remember being devastated. The song “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” took on a whole new meaning for me. To this day, I would swear there was one year when I heard Santa’s sleigh bells outside on Christmas Eve. AAHHH, what a magical memory. What a magical time of year…

I remember my little brother sleeping on the floor in my room because he was just so excited that Santa was coming. I remember waking up in the morning wondering what would be under that tree for me. One year I got the most amazingly beautiful bicycle. Very girly. Very me. I was always happy with whatever Santa left for me.

Christmas was the best time of year. It meant presents and food and family. People are different at Christmas time. They are nicer, warmer, friendlier. Everything is bright and glittery and colorful. Who doesn’t enjoy driving around at night to look at all the beautiful Christmas lights? It’s mesmerizing..

When you have kids, the magic changes in a way and you relive it through the eyes of your children. Did Santa come??? Did he eat the cookies? Mommy!!!! Santa left me a note!!! How clever was I?! There is something indescribably wonderful about watching your kids open the presents that Santa left for them. All innocence and faith and purity and love. I miss that now that my kids are older.

The magic of Christmas diminished for me for a while. I can’t really explain why, but I lost the feelings. My girls are helping me get it back. Every year I say I’ll be more into it next year as far as decorating, etc., but it just doesn’t happen. Well this year my girls decided to take the initiative and start decorating whether I like it or not. Their excitement for the season is definitely rubbing off on me. I have been pretty “bah-humbug” the last few years and it has really bothered me, but I just haven’t been able to shake it. I am, once again, trying to see the magic through the eyes of my children. And it isn’t about the presents for them, either. It seems to be just about the feelings…..the magic of the season. The music, the classic Christmas movies and shows, the decorations, the crisp air….

Thank you, my beautiful girls, for helping me see the magic again… This weekend I will be watching all the Christmas shows I’ve recorded: Elf, A Year Without a Santa Claus (my favorite!), Frosty, and all the rest–while I decorate with my daughters.

Here’s to a spectacularly magical Christmas season for all of us….

Almost merrily,

Donna