I live for the magic of Christmas. In fact, I still believe in Santa. No, seriously…I’m a 32-year-old mother of two, and I still believe. Full disclosure: I honestly did believe in Santa until I was well into my elementary school days. I would never admit it to anyone else; but I literally believed in everything about the entire concept. So what if Santa’s handwriting looked very similar to my dad’s handwriting? Pure coincidence, right? I always loved and appreciated how he managed to sign “love, Santa,” as if he had taken so much thought and care into each individual gift.
Growing up, my family and I lived in a high-rise apartment building, and I vividly remember, after hours of personal reflection, that I decided Santa must have parked his ginormous sleigh with eight tiny reindeer somewhere around the pool area downstairs because, well…maybe they were thirsty? And he must have just taken the gifts for me and my two sisters out of his large bag and patiently rode the elevator to the fifth floor, all while slipping by the building security guards. I mean, honestly, it all made PERFECT sense. When “D-Day” (Discovery Day) rolled around, I was heartbroken but not surprised. The truth had finally come out, but a piece of me still to this day will always believe.
One of my favorite Christmas stories, The Polar Express, tells the tale of a young boy whose belief is tested throughout a very long journey to the North Pole. At the end of the story he receives a beautiful silver bell from Santa. At first he is unable to hear the bell, but as his belief grows the bell’s beautiful sound rings and can be heard to all those who still believe in the magic of the season. The final lines of the book read:
“At one time most of my friends could hear the bell. But as years passed, it fell silent for all of them… Though I’ve grown old the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.”
This year my belief has been especially strong. My son has been anxiously awaiting this season all year. He can be spotted around town in his elf pajamas All. Day. Long. The twinkle in his eye and the joy in his heart are infectious. If only we could experience the joy of the holiday season through the eyes of a child once again. I believe in the amazing shift in people’s hearts that evolves as a result of the holiday season. There’s something about it that changes people, even if for a brief moment. Relationships are strengthened, hearts are mended, people forgive, and in some cases lives can be changed forever. It truly is magic.
I encourage you to stop and take a moment from the hustle and bustle over the next few weeks and just look around you. When you take the time to notice and appreciate it, you may just see a little magic happen right before your eyes. I wish you and your family a very happy holiday season full of magic!
