When she thinks of Christmas, I want shimmering stars, scents of evergreen, warm cups of hot chocolate, and rooms filled with jolly laughter to fill her mind. Cozy blankets wrapped around our shoulders as we read classic tales beside the roaring flames of a burning fire. The tingling trace of pure peppermint oil as she continuously licks the stick of chalky peppermint candy, the old-fashioned kind that my great-grandfather used to fill his shirt pocket with and hand out as if we won the jackpot of tasty bliss. Afternoons spent in the kitchen preparing baked goods with our own hands, chasing flour clouds in the air, decorating our noses with buttercream icing, and giggling non-stop from the sugar high. Choosing the tree we know needs the most tender loving care because no one else would have it…channeling Charlie Brown Christmas. Creating gifts for those we love, cherish and hold dear to our hearts, gifts that mean something and have a story we want to share. Decorating our tree with offerings from nature, garland strung of cranberries, pinecones hand-painted with glitter, leaves gilded golden, and mistletoe hung in all the right places.
Christmas is meant to be magical. The very roots of Christmas are considered other-worldly. When did we lose touch of this magic? For me, it is vital to plant the seeds of wonderland in her mind, fill her thoughts and soul with the simple beauties of giving with love, receiving with pure gratitude, and absorbing the true essence of the season. A season meant to be filled with joy and peace. She is young, she is impressionable, and now is the time to engrave the pureness of Christmas into her heart. Lists can be made, but let’s allow those lists to be filled with good tidings, wishes for others and special achievements, and prayers of hope for better tomorrows. She is my one and only, and I have vowed to bring back the magic of Christmas. So far, her enthusiasm for painting cut-out stars, singing Oh Holy Night, and running with wild abandon through a Christmas tree farm lead me to believe I’m on the right track.
**This piece was published in the Winter 2012 issue of Folk magazine. An annual subscription for 2013 is being offered at a very happy rate here.
[Reverie-Daydream Image]
11 comments
You have once again completely captured so beautifully my wish for Christmas in our home. You have that magic inside of you my friend, and I love you for it.
x
Thank you for sharing your beautiful words!
This warmed my heart so, more than words can ever express – thank you so much. Last night my daughter who just returned home from college and I had a wonderful time baking, talking, crocheting gifts while listening to Christmas music instead of rushing about at the malls and I thought just how perfect it was and what the holidays are meant to be. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday of love, sharing and good health! xxoo
gorgeous!
Oh so magical, lovely and heart-warming!
This is just so touching. I am so happy I have discovered you via Kim Taylor. What a beautiful place to visit. xx
Love this – so true. We all need to focuse more on Christmas magic
How blessed she is to have you as her mother. What beautiful wishes for your beautiful girl. Here are more wishes for a magical Christmas filled with love and laughter for you and your little family. Thank you for bringing such joy and beauty to all of our lives.
Merry Christmas.
XoXo
Mel,
You capture the wonder of children so well with your words.
I’m happy to hear that you and Gaia are making such happy memories.
Beautifully penned article.
Mandy
Yes you are Mel… and how beautifully written…
Happy, happy Christmas with your beautiful family… Love, Vicki
I never really understood how important the magic was until my lil’ dude graced my world! And now that our lil’ lady bean is in the mix…the magic has doubled!