Merry Christmas!

This year is the first time that Mekhi "gets" Christmas. In the past he has had fun opening gifts but didn't really understand what was going on. This year he was introduced to Santa by Dora and I explained that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus. All he talked about on Christmas eve was the "party" for Jesus on Christmas.

My mother and I also explained that Santa comes with presents when we go to sleep. I made the mistake of wrapping one of his larger gifts and putting it under the tree - he was ready to open it as soon as he woke from his nap. Oops!

We averted disaster by telling him that gift was for someone else and distracted him with the notion that Santa comes at night and when you wake up in the day, presents are there waiting. Before we went to bed Mekhi helped me carefully lay out milk (soy) and cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer.

We were in bed by 8:30 and watched my favorite - A Christmas Story. I was amazed that the movie fascinated Mekhi and held his attention. I think it was a combination of the children in the movie and his anticipation of Santa's arrival. At one point we heard footsteps outside our door and he said "I hear Santa!"

Needless to say, I went to sleep waiting for him to retire and when I woke up at 10:30pm his little eyes were still wide open! I turned off the tv and snuggled him closely. When I finally woke up again at 1:00 am he was sleeping.

All of his gifts are now laying under the tree and I cannot wait to see his reaction in the morning. This is the magic of Christmas for me. Remembering the reason for the season and celebrating with the youngest member of my family.

I wish you peace, love and joy this holiday season!