Santa

Well, we have had another Christmas come and pass. The kiddos seemed very excited about all that they recieved. But the biggest gift came before any presents were opened or exchanged. Family tradition states that we go look at Christmas lights on Christmas Eve. Upon returning to the house after viewing the lights, we open the presents. It just so happens that Santa visits while we are out as well. This year's lights gave us a little more than we bargained for.

All seven of us piled into my Jeep. Yes, it was very crowded. My poor sister and brother-in-law were folded up in the back end like pretzels. We were driving through Southwest Fort Worth and finding some good neighborhoods for light viewing. We turned off of Bellaire Drive onto a side street that looked like it had a lot of potential. As I make the right turn, I notice something moving to my left. I see a guy in a red suit. It looks an awfully lot like Santa Clause. After a moment, I realize he is decked out from head to toe in a Santa outfit and is carrying a bag full of gifts to this house. I point him out to the kiddos in the back seat and they go nuts!! They have just seen Santa. Jacqueline and Brayden, the two five year olds, are about to wet themselves. Brittany, my calm third grade neice, turns to her mother and asks if anyone will believe us when we tell them that we saw Santa. My sister simply says, "I believe you."

I guess Jolly Old Saint Nick made his rounds Saturday night. Not only did he allow a glimpse of himself to three great kids, he dropped off a hot pink Fender Stratocaster to Jacqueline. She is partying like a rock star now!

Christmas Eve Eve

Geez, I can't wait. This is killing me. Santa is bringing the kiddo a hot pink fender strat. She is going to have a ball with this thing and part like a rock star. I wish tomorrow night would hurry up and get here so she can put the strap over her shoulder and play it. Life is funny that way.

The Christmas Tree

Sunday was a big day for Jacqueline and I. It was time to put up the Christmas tree for another year. I'll be completely honest, if I didn't have a five year old who spent time at my house, there would not be a tree put up. I would survive with on the cheer of those around me. But, as fate would have it, I get to put a tree up so that Jacqueline can enjoy the holiday more and not think I'm a grinch.

So after we got home from church on Sunday afternoon, we put the tree up. I got the tree out of storage and assembled along with hanging the lights. Its a meager tree, but does what we need. Then the magic began. I started getting the ornaments and decorations out of the boxes and handing them to Jacqueline. In the past, when she was younger, the effort of decorating fell more to me. She would help for a few minutes and then become distracted. Not this time! She put all the ornaments on the tree and even scattered decorations around the house. It was brilliant!

Is the tree a decorating masterpiece? No way! But to a five year old it was perfect, so to me it was priceless. Ho! Ho! Ho!