It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.

It is hard to get into the Christmas spirit when there is no snow. I grew up having white, sometimes complete white out Christmases, so when I moved to Texas it was hard to realize that Christmas was on it's way when it was 70 degrees outside and not one snowflake in sight. Every year I have to find ways to help the spirit of Christmas enter my soul and warm my heart. Some years I felt luke warm even, and the holiday season passed and I really didn't even notice. I have discovered that Christmas with children is different though. I get to see Christmas through their eyes now, and the view is enchanting! We put up our tree last week, and Havely continues to reach higher and higher every year. This year we had a little rascal crawling about that tried to undecorate wherever he could reach. So we had Havely complaining that she was doing such an awesome and inspiring job and he was destroying her chi. This bickering goes on constantly lately and I am pretty sure my son is going to be a giant instigator just like his Wa Wa.
We listen to Christmas music whenever we are in the car and Havely has picked up on some of the words on the classic songs. This morning on the way to daycare with my two kids snuggly warm in the backseat, Havely with her white faux fur, and Grant with his sweet dog hat and fuzzy blue coat, we were listening to the songs of the season and I noticed that Grant was chiming in with us. It made me smile from ear to ear to hear her sweet little voice tell me that all she wants for Christmas is me (of course mom is the you in that song), and Grant is ba ba baing with the beat of the tune. Of course I am belting out in my best American idol voice as well, with some car dancing of course. The song ends and let it snow comes on with a joyous intro, and Grant starts in again, and this time Havely announces, "Mom, Grant is singing all the wrong words!" I said Havely let him sing, he doesn't know any words yet! Then she looks at him and tells him, you are singing the wrong words, but one day you will be smart like me, Santa will help you with that. Santa is one cool guy to bring smarts to kids too, wonder why he skips over so many kids, because there are plenty of stupid adults, wait we don't say stupid, ok let's go with half-witted. Anyway, I have found it easier to feel the holiday spirit, and enjoy the season for what it was intended. Spending time with loved ones, enjoying the magic, and simply believing, but I still tear up when I hear White Christmas or I'll be home for Christmas. 12.07.10