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The anticipation leading up to the holiday is not o
nly with children, but adults (the young at heart) as well. This year I was so busy up until the day before Christmas eve. Then the reality of how close we were to the holiday set in for me. A flurry of activity around our house included last minute shopping, wrapping gifts, and a marathon cookie baking session! As we were rushing to get ready for the holiday, our excitement grew.
On Christmas eve morning, we quickly packed our car and headed out to our destination- my son, daughter-in-law and two grandchilden where we are spending the holiday season. The drive to our destination quickly changed from excitement, to anxiety. Although the temperature was 32 degrees and rain was predicted, it was icy for over half the journey, causing us to have to drive slower than normal and our anticipation changed to the temperature rising enough for the ice to turn to rain. When it did, it was heavy and consistent.
Even though our journey took twice as long as it usually does, all of that was quickly forgotten when we were greeted by my two beautiful granddaughters! From that point on, everything was perfect from my perspective. The rain finally stopped when we went to church for the Christmas eve service. Since our family had to travel in separate cars, we were already seated when my grandchildren arrived. When my youngest granddaughter Anne noticed me across the aisle and shouted “grandma”, it melted my heart!
After the service, eggnog and some light refreshments while the “assembly” process began. The children went to bed with excitement and anticipation of Santa, but mom and dad had hours of work before they could rest! Morning came all too quickly for me, but the beautiful smiles of my two little granddaughters telling me that it was Christmas morning was so cherished!
In those moments everything is perfect. The things that weren’t completed didn’t matter, none of the family had too much to drink, and everyone is happy. The moments of driving in less than perfect conditions are already forgotten, replaced by the new memories of the smiles of children is as close to perfection as possible in this lifetime. It was as though time stood still. The perfect Christmas really and truly still happens!
It was a lovely holiday – there will never be another like it – because children grow, and some family members are getting older and may be their last. For now, it is one to be stored in my memories forever!
I have just a little more time to enjoy with my family before the journey home to reality and everyday life continues. For me, I want to treasure the moments that I have and enjoy them. Isn’t that the way that holidays are meant to be? The magic of Christmas with children is one of the most incredible pleasures of this life!
I hope that all of you had lots of wonderful holiday experiences to store in your “memory bank” as well. Thanks for sharing your time with me here on my site!
Tags: Christmas, holiday memories, holiday traditions, family holiday
December 27th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Hi Nancy,
What a beautiful story–thanks for sharing it with us. I can see how time spent with your granddaughters could wipe away any unpleasant memories of the trip there…they're beautiful! Wishing you a safe journey back home. Happy Holidays :>).
December 27th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Hi Nancy,
What a beautiful story–thanks for sharing it with us. I can see how time spent with your granddaughters could wipe away any unpleasant memories of the trip there…they're beautiful! Wishing you a safe journey back home. Happy Holidays :>).