Christmas Memories

I think she's a smidge excited about getting to open more presents. We've already had present opening fun with a couple sets of grandparents and there's still more to be done. I'm looking forward to being at home this year also. Last year was the first year that we were at our house on Christmas morning. All the other years we've traveled to visit family, but last year, hubby put his foot down and said "We're staying here!" I was glad to start that tradition with Rachel because that's what I had known all my years until I got married.

I loved being at home and getting up before the sun to see what Santa had left for me! I specifically remember one Christmas when I was about 10 years old or so and I had started to have my doubts about the big man in red. I don't know if the kids at school were talking about it or if I'd heard something on TV that was persuading me to believe that anyone other than Santa left the wonderful gifts under my tree each Christmas Eve, but I was starting to wonder. That year, I wanted a Barbie Dream House. My cousin had one and I was so envious. This particular cousin had so many fun toys. She was an only child and was a tad bit spoiled according to my standards at the time. But I so wanted that dream house like she had! So I thought I'd give it one last shot to see if Santa really was real and I asked for a Barbie Dream House. Those were expensive back in the day to a family with meager means, so I thought if I was gonna have one, it would have to come from Santa because I just didn't think my parents could have afforded it. Christmas Eve came and I was nestled all snug in my bed wondering what I would find under the tree when I woke the next morning. Christmas morning finally came and I crawled out of bed, almost unexcited about my upcoming discovery. My parents always wanted us to make sure they were up and tree-side and camera ready before we came in to see Santa's gifts and this year was no exception. I walked lazily into the living room once my parents were in place and lo and behold, there beside the Christmas Tree sat a dazzling Barbie Dream house!!! I couldn't believe my eyes!! In fact, my mom has pictures of me rubbing my eyes, then one with my hands over my mouth, and one just totally amazed! I think my first words that morning were "THERE REALLY IS A SANTA CLAUS!!!" I was sure there was no one other than Santa that could have left that dream house under my tree! That was one of the most memorable Christmas mornings ever.

Of course, when I went to my cousin's house the next time, she had lots of fun furniture and accessories and when I asked where she got them, she said they came in the box with the house. Hmmmmm...... her dream house came in a box and had accessories? That's odd. As the year went on, I realized that it probably was my parents that purchased the house from me and on into my adult years after I lost the innocence and wonder of my childhood, my mom sadly broke the news to me that yes, the blessed Barbie Dream House had been purchased at a garage sale and didn't have all the original parts.

No matter how the dream house was acquired, it was just that - a DREAM house. For at least that one day, I had no doubts whatsoever in the reality and magic of Santa. And as I grew older and realized exactly what my parents did for me in doing everything they could to get just what I wanted, I have no doubt whatsoever the reality and magic of the love my parents had for me. Especially now that I have my own daughter and it's now my desire to want to give her everything she ever wants, I know exactly what my parents were thinking and feeling that special Christmas morning. So Mom and Dad, if you're reading this - Thanks. And I love you.