Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

It's almost 2025. It's surreal how time seems to fly. Truth be told, I kinda miss the days when the kids were much younger. It was much more work, a different kind of work- but Christmas felt different then.

When the truth comes out about Santa and the elves and the reindeer- the magic's gone. Not just for the kids, but I'm realizing, for the parents too. There was a certain excitement, a glee, even, on Christmas eve when you get the kids psyched up about the Big Guy's arrival, tracking him on NORAD, scouting the sky with binoculars, putting the cookies and reindeer food out. When you hide the presents and then quietly place them under the tree on Christmas when they're asleep, and remember to take a few bites of Santa's cookies before sneaking back to bed.

Seeing the smiles and excitement and the exclamations when they find the surprises Santa brought them. Almost in awe, that he was able to sneak into the house at midnight.

Now that we're all older, kids including, it's different. We go out for a nice dinner and make good conversation. Attend the Christmas service in church. Reminisce and get nostalgic, missing times past and loved ones gone. It's different. No less special, of course, but more sensible, more logical.

And less magic.

Truth be told, I miss that. 

This was when Alli found out Santa took a few bites of the cookie she left out for him. Apparently, no one gave her the memo that they're meant to be eaten :) 

It's true, what they say. I thought it was just corny, when my older patients told me to enjoy it, as they'll grow up before you know it. I didn't understand it then, but it's becoming clear now.

We try to keep some traditions, though. We still put out cookies for Santa (though they're smart enough to know he sometimes also appreciates a beer). We put out reindeer food. And we set up camp in the living room and sleep there, hoping to catch Santa in the act (except my body doesn't seem to handle sleeping on the floor as well, anymore).

Merry Christmas, from our humble household to yours.