Magical Christmas

Change is indefinite, that's for sure. Every year, Christmas seems to change a little more. I will say that it is definitely improving. For a while, before I had children of my own, Christmas had lost some of its charm. This really bothered me, especially since I was always the child playing Bing Crosby Christmas tunes in April, wishing and counting down the days until the arrival of the glorious holiday season. Christmas was about the most magical thing ever until I turned 12 (yes, I know its a bit old for finding out that Santa is indeed a figment of my imagination) Sure, my brothers informed me earlier, however I just didn't want to believe them, I found it more enjoyable to believe in Santa than not. Everything seemed more enchanting knowing that jolly old Saint Nick was going to be in my house.
So....I turned 12, Junior High was on it's way. My Dad sat me down and said "Honey, come on, there is no Santa. No Easter Bunny, No Tooth Fairy." "Really?" I replied, with tears in my eyes. I could tell from the look on his face that it was true. In fact, I had known it all along. Too many things just didn't line up. I remember crying a lot that day.Not so much about that loss of Santa but more about the loss of innocence and magic that surrounded that big guy in the red suit.
Time has a way of both healing and changing things for the better. After having my son in 2003 and my daughter in 2005, I came to realize the true beauty behind this holiday. Nothing brings me more joy than watching their little eyes twinkle as they see the Christmas tree for the first time lit up. Or, the joy in their laughter as they open their presents. This year, I took both of my children to see Santa Clause, and although Macy cried her little heart out because as she says "Santa is a naughty guy" both her and Jackson had a wonderful time visiting with Santa.
After their visit, we went into another store across the way from Santa's station. I was busy shopping and then, I looked over to see something so dear to my heart, so innocent and pure. My son Jackson looking over at Santa just trying so hard to get his attention. "I need to tell him something," he said very eagerly. I looked up at Santa he smiled, waved and then got up out of his big chair walking over towards Jackson. "Go on honey," I said to my son. Of course, Jackson went running into Santa's arms for a big hug and then they exchanged whispers and smiles. Mall Santa or not, this guy was good. Any person on earth Santa or not, who can make my little boy beam like that is worth something great in my book. Jackson returned with a candy cane and a huge grin on his face. "What did he say, I asked? Still glowing, Jackson said "He told me to have a Merry Christmas." I looked up at Santa, he was still looking our way, I smiled and suddenly felt that giddy little feeling coming back inside my heart. The true spirit and magic of Christmas.
Things in your life may change, but if you look a little closer, you will find that although things may appear to be different, the true feelings and spiritual emotions that you have always had are still there, it just sometimes takes something extra special to re-awaken them.