'twas the night before christmas

I remember the first Christmas my son was old enough to really understand Santa. I think he was 4. I had so many things planned to get ready for Santa and his reindeer. Before tucking Sebastian in for the night we helped him with his letter, picked out cookies, poured the milk and set out a bowl of carrots, grapes and a bucket of water for the reindeer. Sebastian decided reindeer loved grapes.



We watched the news to see how far away Santa was from our house and read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. We will read from the same book again tonight. After much giggling and stalling he would start falling asleep. Just about then I would sneak out the back door and walk by his window shaking jingle bells. Then off to work we would go.



There were cookies to nibble on, half a glass of milk to drink, grapes to gobble up (with a few bits left) and carrots to mash and carve teeth marks into. Then there was the glitter. Santa always left a trail of glitter. Glitter on all the stockings, around the fireplace and all around the plate of cookies and milk. The letter to Santa would be gone and in it's place would be a letter from Santa thanking our son for the yummy treats. The reindeer loved the grapes of course...and spilled some of the water.



Early Christmas morning I would be up before everyone to do one last thing. I had crushed ice waiting in the freezer. (We are snow less here in California) Out on the back patio I would throw all the ice in two long lines. Tracks left by Santa's sleigh. And finally a little bit of muddy reindeer prints and more glitter. Then it was time to wake up my little guy and watch the magic.



It's time to get ready for Santa once again. Even if my little guy isn't so little anymore (as you can see), and I find myself giving Santa a hand, we still love the magic of Christmas Eve. This day is just for our little family before we join the rest of our kin on Christmas day. We open some of our gifts tonight and the rest before breakfast in the morning.



My favorite elf trimming the tree while I work on packing up gifts.


Merry Christmas to all of you dear friends. Thank you for the gift of friendship and inspiration. May you be in the company of those you love, blessed with joy, hope and peace.....and oodles of sparkles all year!

12 comments:

goddessandmagick said...

Merry Christmas to you too!!! Anna, I love to hear that I m not the only crazy Mom in the world doing things like that for our kids, it is sad how fast they grow and don't believe in Santa any more.

Marfi-topia said...

Merry Christmas Anna!!!
what a lovely memory, I remember doing so many of those things with the girls when they were little!love the idea of the ice...too cute!
We are doing this all over again and it's just as much fun.
cookies are baked and ready.been checking norad all day.
have a wonderful day, my magical friend.
and thank you:)

Theresa MacNaughton said...

Merry Christmas, Anna! I hope you have a beautiful day full of enchantment and glitter!!! xoxo Theresa

Sinderella's Studio said...

With my kids all grown - and watching them get ready for Santa with their kids - I relive memories just like yours! merry christmas and
Merry Everyday 2011!!!
dana

Linda said...

Oh Anna, I love your story. It is very magical and woudorus. I wish your family a wonderful day of good health happiness and good cheer.

Kai said...

What a wonderful mommy you are! I did lots of similar things for my daughter so many years ago & she is still (at age 40) sentimental about all the magic of the holiday. Well worth it all! I've been visiting your blog for about 6 days now, & you are such fun! Your art is WONDERFUL! I hope you will allow me to join in your Artful Bag Challenge! It looks FUN and it will keep the creative juices flowing! REALLY nice to 'meet' you, Anna! (I see you are a fellow kitty lover! YAY!!!) Merry, Merry Christmas! Kai

Cindy Adkins said...

Aww, this is too precious!!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!
Please come over and take a look at my blog when you get a chance...
Thank you SO much for the beautiful surprises!!!! Pure gorgeousness!!!!
Love,
Cindy

Anonymous said...

What a magical childhood your gave your little guy. Something he will remember forever!

I wish for you the brightest of blessings and everyday a miracle. Happy holidays.

Wendy Aspinall said...

Byron waiting until 8am this morning before he came asking when we were getting up . and althougth he doesn't belive in santa any more he was so excited still.I did all the same magical as you some of it for them some for me , we all relive our childhood with our children... and hopes that they in turn will do the same for they children......have a great time with your big man happy christmas and a peaceful new year hugs wendy

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

What magical memories you created for your son! Happy Holidays. Tammy

ShabbyChicShaz said...

What beautiful memories for you both, thanks for sharing such a lovely story with us this Christmas time :) Merry Christmas!

Leanne said...

Oh, Anna . . . you have got to be the most magical Mom I've ever met ...and how I knew you when my girls were babes (and could have borrowed some of those wonderful ideas!) How cool!!! I hope you had a very merry Christmas, dear friend! I'm looking forward to a New Year full of lots of wonderful things for all of us!