time for Christmas

I tried to simplify Christmas this year, but it got way too complicated. So I will be scrambling this last week to get "it" all done. I loved the old days when parties, decorations, presents, and treats would all magically appear. Here's a little secret: It's not magic, it's moms. But you know what? It is all totally worth it for this moment:


Christmas morning 2010

I have had a hard time figuring out what Luke(6) wants this year. He gave me some ideas months ago, but he can't remember those, and hasn't been able to come up with anything recently. Today he came in the door after school dragging a life-sized elf he had made from construction paper. "Where are we going to put this mom?" "Oh! Wow...(that's so large, and we have such a small house)...you know...it would be darling...anywhere." On it was his Christmas list to Santa which simply read "nerf gun." So tonight as we were laying in his bed illuminated by the the colored string of lights above his window, I asked him, "What kind of nerf gun?" "Oh, I just wrote that because I couldn't think of anything to write." "Well, what do you want to ask Santa for?" "Well I can think of something." "Oh?" "It can be used in all the seasons." "Oh?" Dramatic pause. "A hug and a kiss from mommy." That deserved 100 tiny kisses and great big bear hugs on the spot. "Silly Luke, you can have that any old time!" But as I walked out the door my heart sunk a little. I guess that may not necessarily be true. I feel very grateful that this year he can have that and presents too. Now just to get that perfect present...

This is the first year I haven't had to answer the question "Is Santa real?" The boys talk amongst themselves, discussing what everyone is saying on the bus about Santa. Even Luke joins in, "There is no way. Flying reindeer? Come on!" But after these conversations(carried out with tons of confidence in their logic)I do see doubt in their eyes.

I, for one, will be sad to say goodbye to Santa. Especially because the simple mention of "you better not cry, you better not pout" worked every single time on these three. We have always had a pretty well behaved household in December. It does seem a little easier this time of year to be good, doesn't it?

p.s.

We dropped off a secret Santa present the other night. The boys planned out their best get away moves and hiding places. "But just in case they see us..." Sam said seriously, and the other two leaned in nervously, "We better have some snowballs in our hands." James got it. "Okay, right. To hit the door to swing it shut?" "No. We go for their face." Oh boy.