With Santa’s arrival just over the rooftop, I join my niece for the required visit to Santa Claus with her two sons. Strollers and diaper bags packed, we inch along the gold braided path. A Rudolph-themed village entices anxious children and our toes tap to the music of childhood.
“We are Santa’s elves…”I hum to the surround sound of plastic trees and shredded snowflakes.
Wes, a mere breath away from three-years old, waits in anticipation to present Santa with his wish list. The look on his face leaves no doubt – this is serious business.
Once on the red-velvet knee, Levi puckers-down and the magic dissolves into reindeer tears. Quick picture snap and exit baby until next year. A seasoned-pro, Santa remains cool like the frost on a Winter breeze.
Now one-on-one with the Man, Wes chats at length; engaged in intent conversation.
We shrug shoulders and wait. After all, a year’s a long time between good friends.
A nod of understanding, the two come to an agreement. With a tip of Santa’s hat, Wes waves goodbye; his list delivered now and safe in Santa’s keeping.
I bend down to kid-level and ask, “Did you tell Santa what you wanted for Christmas?”
An experienced Mom, I brace for the usual barrage of hot toys and must-haves.
With a twinkle he says, "I asked Santa to bring you a present."
Speechless, I hug Wes and embrace the innocence of childhood, letting it perfume my body with wonders old and new.
Pleased, I see Santa wink as he rubs his belly and lets out a cheerful jolly.
"Thanks," I whisper to the one-who-knows-all and then turn to Wes and say, "He already did."
And that is what Christmas is all about.
“We are Santa’s elves…”I hum to the surround sound of plastic trees and shredded snowflakes.
Wes, a mere breath away from three-years old, waits in anticipation to present Santa with his wish list. The look on his face leaves no doubt – this is serious business.
Once on the red-velvet knee, Levi puckers-down and the magic dissolves into reindeer tears. Quick picture snap and exit baby until next year. A seasoned-pro, Santa remains cool like the frost on a Winter breeze.
Now one-on-one with the Man, Wes chats at length; engaged in intent conversation.
We shrug shoulders and wait. After all, a year’s a long time between good friends.
A nod of understanding, the two come to an agreement. With a tip of Santa’s hat, Wes waves goodbye; his list delivered now and safe in Santa’s keeping.
I bend down to kid-level and ask, “Did you tell Santa what you wanted for Christmas?”
An experienced Mom, I brace for the usual barrage of hot toys and must-haves.
With a twinkle he says, "I asked Santa to bring you a present."
Speechless, I hug Wes and embrace the innocence of childhood, letting it perfume my body with wonders old and new.
Pleased, I see Santa wink as he rubs his belly and lets out a cheerful jolly.
"Thanks," I whisper to the one-who-knows-all and then turn to Wes and say, "He already did."
And that is what Christmas is all about.
Merry Christmas to All
and to
All the Innocence of Childhood Awakened Anew
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