Growing up we had something like the opposite of traditions. The only thing I really remember holidays having in common was that they were all sort of chaotic, but then a lot of my childhood was somewhat chaotic.
My parenting now, though filled with all the love and intention I have, is sort of only loosely based on What I Know Not To Do. (Except for the many tips and tricks I have picked up from My Amazing Friends and the countless parenting books I have devoured.) One thing I have learned is that traditions are important.
And this year, these Amazing Kids, they realized it too. This year instead of racing back and forth to get all of the ornaments on as fast as possible, they slowly picked each one up and let it dangle by it’s hook. And then they talked through each one- why they liked it, what year they got it, the kindergarten teacher they loved so much and the corner that was getting a little worn. And I sat on the couch smiling and answering questions and yes, just as I am now, wiping the occasional tear.
When the tree was all done Emmy glanced down at her hands covered in glitter from all of the ornaments. She squeaked a delighted squeak and then I’m not even kidding, Griffen put his arm around her and said, “That’s Christmas dust, the magic of Christmas is all over our house.” And then he went to his room and pulled out his library book and told all the Little Ones to sit down because he had checked out a book just for them. Good grief it was almost too sweet.
When they finished the book we made some Christmas Waffles together. (Nothing amazing really, just waffles with red and green M&M’s, but the kiddos think they’re “like the best thing ever to have for dinner.” )
It was a very normal, (if a little sappy), Christmastime evening I think. So maybe it was just the sugar rush, maybe it was a some holiday high I don’t know, but as we all piled on the couch to watch Rudolph that night, I felt Love oh so tangibly fill up and flow out of every empty space in the room and my grateful heart swelled with the amazing amount of warmth and joy that surrounded us.
Gosh, so blessed. So, so blessed.
