We have a family tradition in our home...on Christmas Eve. All of our children sleep in the family room and we block the door with 7 ribbons that are to be removed, one by each of the child, on Christmas morning. This divine plan allows for 'Santa' to come and parents to get some rest. We have been doing this for several years with great success--until last night. After watching "It's a Wonderful Life" we kissed the kids goodnight and sent them to the family room at about midnight. Then Santa delivered his gifts and we went to bed but not before eating some freshly baked homemade cookies and a cold glass of milk (Santa's gift left by Claire). Unfortunately at about 12:45 Claire squeezed under the lowest ribbon and came to my room to tell me that the night light was too bright--passing the living room on the way. I scooped her up and carried her back to her sleeping bag, moved the night light to a different plug, and tucked her in. As I was leaning over to give her a kiss she whispered to me..."I saw the stockings were already stuffed. I guess there really isn't a Santa Claus". I was stunned! I asked her if she was sad...and she shook her head no and said that she was just tired.
This morning there was no mention of this experience but in actuality we are on the precipice of a new age leaving behind us the sweet innocence of childhood. Claire might play the game of Santa for another year but only because believing is so much fun. I am not sure if I am sad that a time in our lives is coming to a close. Indeed I have wonderful memories of many Christmases, sleepless Dec. 24th nights, and that of sleepy eyes on surprised faces first thing Christmas morning. So, as I enter this doorway of new days and future times I look back and feel tremendously grateful for all the years of childish innocence that has filled my home. I have been given much!
