Now, It's REALLY Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Last night as I was tucking Natalie into bed, I was explaining to her how Santa works. You know, the North Pole, the elves who help him, his bag of toys, sleigh, reindeer, roof-top landings, chimney, etc...... Her eyes got so big! Of course she is aware of all this as she has seen The Christmas Toy and other movies all her life long. But for some reason, on this special night, it all hit home with her in a big way. I went on to explain that Santa only brings presents to GOOD little girls. Again, her eyes got really big, waiting for me to tell her if she fell into that catagory, so of course, I quickly went on to tell her that she was such a good girl! (instant relief!) Once she was reassured and beginning to accept that Santa was indeed going to bring her toys tonight, she began saying over and over again, "I'm good girl! I'm good girl!" Over and over again, "I'm good girl!" lol.....

She was so cute.

Of course this type of discussion is not amenable to quick falling asleep. For a long time after I closed her door, I could hear her chatting and playing up a storm in her room! I figured that she was tired enough. It wouldn't take long for her to succumb to the magical, dreams of sugar plums that would dance through her head, sleep. I was right.

This morning, bright and early, she ran into the living room and began discovering one toy after another...... Oh, how very VERY happy she was! She did try to eat all her chocolate candy from her stocking - almost in one gulp - but we had to stop her after two BIG pieces. Oh my goodness..... so much sugar! She wasn't too happy with us for monitoring the chocolate consumption session. However, she just had to deal with it! (woopsie..... somebody has a bit of a temper! lol.... )

Quickly, though, she went on to other things. Coffee helped.

I will not go into more detail. I'll just say that this was the most perfect and happy Christmas ever. She is still enthralled with all her toys, gifts, goodies, and surprises. She is in her room now taking inventory and rearranging all her new things!

It is good that we have these magical holidays thrown in here and there. God knew that we would need happy celebrations interspersed within the harsh realities of life. Now is a very good time to turn our thoughts to Him, worship, give thanks and revel in the beauty of God's gift to us...... Eternal life through our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I am deeply grateful for His provision, for His love, forgiveness and mercy.

May God bless us, everyone!