Through a Child's Eyes

Today, I was treated to something I hadn't experienced in a very long time: spending Christmas morning with a child. And it reminded me of what an absolutely beautiful experience it is. If my memory serves me correctly, I haven't spent Christmas with children since my nephews and nieces were very small (likely more than a decade ago). 

What I discovered today is that I had become somewhat of a Scrooge in those years since experiencing that wide-eyed amazement and excitement that happens around Christmas trees around the world on this day. I'd grown to see Christmas as a spending extravaganza, a ploy by marketers to get more money and a holiday only for people with significant others and children. I was reminded today that when a child believes in the magic of Christmas and Santa, it is truly something to behold.

This morning, Tamara's five-year old son awoke to some pretty awesome presents under the tree from Santa and others. But if I rewind, the fun for me actually started last night when it was time to set out brownies and milk for Santa, along with a handwritten note from to remind the big guy of the thing he wanted the most. 

After her son had gone to sleep, we all pulled out the big presents, put the brownies in the fridge making sure to leave a few crumbs in the bowl, poured out the milk and had "Santa" write a response to his note.

This morning, his reaction to all the really cool toys was so touching it brought water to my eyes. While I'm not likely going to ever be "big" on Christmas and will still choose it as a time to vacation and give to the less fortunate, this morning was an awesome reminder that sometimes just believing in the unknown, unseen and mystical elements of life can give us rewards that will leave us awe struck. And that it is possible to get the desires of our hearts if we just ask and believe. Children's faith in and gratitude to the unseen is something to be modeled. 

So thanks to her son for unknowingly touching my heart and for teaching me a lesson in faith that I'd perhaps forgotten a million Christmases ago.

P.S. We went to dinner today and I wore the coat that my sister made for me. Here's a pic...killed it!