The holiday season is upon us, and I’m sure like most of you, I am feeling lost and overwhelmed. Good thing I have my boys to keep me focused on what it is all about. Believe in magic, even if only a little bit.
My oldest son is a firm believer. Personally, I would have thought him a little old for believing in Santa, but he remains firm in his belief. But not only does he believe in Santa, he believes in the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny, and all bringers of good things. The Tooth Fairy ‘forgetting’ a couple of his molars hasn’t phased him. Seeing the same chocolate at the store as the Easter Bunny brings doesn’t perturb him. A faint similarity in Santa to my mom’s boyfriend or in Santa’s handwriting to my own isn’t a concern. He simply believes.
I admire that in him. I admit, I’m slightly pessimistic. At the best of times. Seeing the magic of holidays through his eyes refreshes me. Why not believe? I know other parents out there who have never even bothered with Santa, or any other ‘magical’ individual. And while I think it is a good thing to teach your children to be practical and realistic, can’t there be room for a little magic? Sure, by now both my boys realize the bunny in the Easter Parade isn’t the ‘real’ Easter Bunny, nor are the men in red suits in abundance this time of year the ‘real’ Santa. We always have a chuckle every Christmas when we bring out the old photos with Santa; when we were out west one year, the Santa was this skinny little teenager, who couldn’t even be bothered to take off his watch! “Wouldn’t the real Santa be disappointed in this guy!” my son said one year.
It reminds me that, as tiring as it is for me, a grown-up, to do all my grown-up things around holidays, I do it for a reason. There is magic around all holidays. They are holidays for a reason. It is good for grown-ups and children alike to be reminded of the magic of life itself, whether through Santa, or birthdays, or whatever it is you may celebrate.
The teacher in my younger son’s class has incorporated the celebration of holidays into the class room. At the beginning of the year, we received a note about listing out any holidays or special days of celebration we as family may have through the year. The teacher will then on whatever day of significance, hold a mini-celebration, where family members and/or friends are welcome to come and attend. What a great idea for a class, because while some may not participate in the Hallmark version of holidays, there may be something else of magic to recognize.
I only have to look at my boys, and think about them starting out as a mere twinkle in my eye, to be reminded of the magic that exists in the world. So where ever you can find your magic in this season of stresses, hold on tight to it, and try to pass a bit of it along to someone else. For now, time to work on my letter to Santa – I don’t think it’s too late.
