Christmas is one of those holidays that can be a huge letdown. If you let it. The frenzied, hustle and bustle that the entire season can bring are enough to trigger huge expectations and smaller wallets by the time the day arrives. There is the presents, the parties, the food and drink - you name it - it's likely more, more, more.
Unless you choose differently.
This madness is particularly confusing for a child. The frenzy has the ability to imprint expectations on them as well.
This year was different from ones in the past for me. My daughter was old enough to truly appreciate the lead-in to Christmas through several planned journeys. The first was Advent where she reads an intention for the day from the calendar on the fridge - for example - 'say thank you to the person who makes your lunch," "teach something to someone younger than you," and "work on sharing today."
She took those suggestions seriously and developed a strong sense of gratitude through all those intentional activities. She also had her evening Advent story and calendar to follow throughout the season. This year she read the stories to me, instead of me reading to her!
Secondly, her Elf on the Shelf arrived to our home this year with a different attitude .. and a note. He told her he wasn't going to be mischievous this year, and he didn't expect her to be either! He told her she was old enough now to understand, and help him spread Christmas Magic! He gave her examples of dropping change in the kettle, saying hello to someone new or helping out the needy by donating food to the food pantry. She took all of this very seriously… believing her part to play in spreading Christmas Magic!
So yesterday morning, when Christmas arrived, I wondered would this day be any different from year's past? I haven't felt the frenzy this year, nor the frustration. Gifts, cards, shipping were all done timely this year. No last minute, have to have it shopping trips .. no big debates wondering if there were going to be enough presents under the tree. It was about the magic this year. Would that translate for my daughter?
It sure did!
Throughout the day she continued to say, 'this is the best Christmas ever!' And you could tell she meant it. No whining, no crying, no I wish … The first thing she wanted to do on Christmas morning was give us HER presents! And then she continued to take turns opening presents with us, making sure we always had something in our hands ready to open. Because Christmas is about the giving, she told me!
And this attitude of gratitude continued the entire day! She loved her gifts, the music, Christmas dinner and continued to thank us for her Best Christmas Ever!
Although it may not be a miracle to some, I'd say that's a pretty good miracle for me!
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