Christmas in the air.
Christmas is in the wind. It flows down the glittering streets, curls its way through the windows and gleams through shop windows. Suddenly, pine trees are everywhere, sparkling and dancing with coloured lights, whispering to all that Christmas is coming... Are you ready?
As I drove home tonight, the pale street lights reflected off shopping bags packed with love and thought, ready for sellotape and labels to lie, in anticipation under the trees at home. I can smell the anticipation, the excitement glittering in children's eyes, the tingle in the blood as we slowly count down to Christmas.
I am so lucky to have had a happy childhood: one where Christmas was an event that I looked forward to and relished when it finally dawned; where a filled stocking awaited me at the end of the bed, and in my bleary half awake, half dreaming sleep I would become aware of weights on my feet, of strange wrapped objects silhouetted against the window light. And how that glimpse of wonderment became fully flamed excitement as I woke up and it was, finally, Christmas. The rush upstairs with the stocking dragging behind me on the stairs as I burst into my parents' room telling them that Father Christmas had come, had eaten the mince pie left out for him and the drop of whisky.
And now, I have my own children. And every Christmas Eve, a little tipsy from supper, I creep upstairs and wrap each child's present and fill their own stockings. Just like parents all over the world I wait until they are asleep and creep, breathless, into their rooms terrified they will wake up. And, on that wonderful morning, when I wake up to the sound of excited footsteps on the stairs, they burst into my bedroom, full of the joy of the day.
I can't wait!
Minerva
11 comments:
Like you, I had a happy childhood and many good memories of Christmas. Unlike you, I didn't have children and now realize that Christmas IS for children. As an adult, I don't enjoy Christmas much. The lights and music (and of course, the FOOD) are what I enjoy, so I do that. But there is little excitement and wonder there. I applaud you maintaining the tradition for your children. Lucky Kids!
I remember my Dad who was like a little boy at Christmas. He locked himself in the bathroom to wrap his gifts to my Mom, 2 brothers, my sister and me. We lived on the
1st floor of a 3 tenement house known as a three-deckers and it was the only place he could hide from us. Though there would be one gift under the tree for each of us they were very special because we were a family with love to spare and my Dad had the spirit in his heart.
My oldest brother had it right because when anyone said we were poor, he was quick to correct them by saying we were never poor, we were financially depressed but loved all the more.
I hear the bells of Christmas every time I think of my Dad.
May you have the same joy of Christmas love for family in your heart.
Perhaps Christmas is most magical for the children because the adults do all the worrying, shopping and planning. The mystical or religious significance is meant for those who wish to grapple with the possibility that God became a man, so that he could visit His people, and identify with them in a very personal way.
I both love the event, and dislike what it has turned into. In my mountains I will try to keep this holiday in a simple, uncomplicated way.
I too had wonderful Christmases as a child and relived the magic with my daughters...now even my grandchildren grown... but no little ones so far. Have a wonderful Cristmas and a Blessed New Year!!!
"as I burst into my parents' room telling them that Father Christmas had come, had eaten the mince pie left out for him and the drop of whisky."
What great tradition. The heck with a glass of milk for Santa. Bring on the whiskey.
I envy those people who had a happy childhood and enjoyed Christmasses. I didn't enjoy Christmas as a child and that has dogged me through my life.
But when the chips are down, a strong loving background like that is a support and a comfort.
I love your descriptions of Christmas - makes me wish I had had that.......or that I was able to have children to hold my own Perfect Christmas.
cq
Each year we swear it will all be wrapped days ahead and we will both get a good night's sleep the night before. Though they are grown and gone, it still never happens, lol!
You are a fantastic Mum!
alan
Minerva, your bright uplifting approach to Christmas is how we should all see it, and not the cold commercial way.
Hi..Thank you for dropping by in my website and encouraging me to have breast check-up..thank you soo much.
I had a wonderful childhood christmas with all the loved and care my parents showed me, and now, I want to share it also to my future kids..
Take care!
Sweetie - I just dropped by on this wild and windy Saturday evening to say hi, and if you want a giggle then you may like today's blogpost at the palace.....
cq
A lovely post hon...
At chez Josephine, Santa often struggles having had way too much to drink during the evening (just as well he doesn't get breathalysed whilst driving the sleigh!), then there's the rather large whisky left out for him by the fireplace, and the mince pie. And Rudolph's carrot which has to be nibbled convincingly! It's all he can do to get up the stairs...
And then of course, the little ones are all on 'Santa Watch' to try and catch him...;-)
Post a Comment