Softer and More Beautiful

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.  - Norman Vincent Peale

This year, I thought Christmas would be difficult.  I wrote about my grief over the new stage my children are going through, moving swiftly from childhood to pre-adolescence and beyond.  I have been missing my mother, and dealing with emotions having to do with my parents in general that range from desolation to rage.

My husband is near petrified about the state of the economy (who isn't) and I've been dealing with Good-Lord-I'm-Almost-40-Years-Old-Must-Everything-Physically-Fall-
Apart-At-Once health woes. 

To sum, holiday spirit was hard to find.

But holiday spirit found me where I least expected it.  While at work at the vet one day, my children decorated our Christmas tree, all on their own.  I returned from work to find their glorious and proud faces and a lopsided silly tree that could not have been more lovely.

My husband and I pooled small cash gifts that came in from unexpected places, an Aunt here, my job there - and worked to cross everything off the letters to Santa that my Children had written.  A Santa they no longer believe in, but still long for.  The longing, I know and recognize, is for a world where giving is done freely, and where dreams sneak in overnight, and by morning, miraculously - come true.


On Christmas eve, just like a fairy tale, like stories told over and over again - my children were tucked into bed, and I stayed up - waiting until I could hear tell tale snores - and then tiptoed to the living room and assembled their Christmas morning miracle.  I love this picture, as it appears that Pepper, the cat, is the true secret Santa, pausing here to reflect upon his work.


When Christmas morning came, my miracle was added to the rest.  Two happy children, in jammies still, taking the time to explore the contents of the handmade stocking we sewed together last year.

All in all, everyone was happy.  I had favorite gifts, not ones addressed to me, but one each received by my children.  RJ's Johnny Cash t-shirt is too cool for words.


And Abigail received a poster that I am still walking by her room and staring at in every free moment.  Who wouldn't?


My children were more appreciative and joy filled than I had expected.  It wasn't the material things or the pretty packages that gave me pause, or lifted my spirit on Christmas day.  It was something far more soft and beautiful.  The joy of  giving, and the incredible reciprocal joy of knowing that it is received with wonder and grace.

xoxo - Chel

Comments

[Scritto da: creativechaos]

So glad you had a wonderful Christmas Chelise!!! I love that the kids did the tree!

[Scritto da: Donna Cook]

Merry Merry Christmas!

[Scritto da: Donna Cook]

Merry Merry Christmas!

[Scritto da: SueAnn]

Merry Christmas Chel! What a wonderful Christmas you had!! And the tree the kids did, is fabulous!! Couldn't be more striking! My "kid" is 40 now and still loves to get pressies from his mama!! I love it!
And now I have grandkids to spoil and watch open gifts...so I had a great Christmas too!! 40 is a wonderful age.....I am coming up to 60 and I am excited. 2009 will be a great year for us all!
Hugs
SueAnn

[Scritto da: jann]

When you smiled you had my undivided attention. When you laughed you had my urge to laugh with you. When you cried you had my urge to hold you. When you said you loved me, you had my heart forever.

Chel,
really enjoyed reading your post here.Gosh do you write well, I envy that. So enjoyed viewing your blog.
Happiness overflowing for YOU in 2009
you still are a very attractive lady even approaching 40.
jann

[Scritto da: Suzanne]

Merry Christmas to you too! Sounds like you had a special one!

Suzanne in CT

[Scritto da: Lyn]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Chel! I'm glad you are doing better and hope all is well. Wishing you a prosperous 2009 filled with family, friends, good health and much happiness! Lyn

[Scritto da: Kristin Hubick]

Excellent poster! I loved the movie and now I'm reading the book, which of course, is even better :).
xoxo,
Kristin

[Scritto da: julee]

i'm so glad you had a wonderful christmas, we found ourselves in a similar position and did have a blessed holiday. playing games with our family and snuggling by the fireplace and roasting marshmallows and giggling took the place of plasma tvs and ipods... YEAH!!!

i found myself making lunch and thinking of you today and missing glue and glitter sessions... maybe soon?

big love!
xoxo
jul