Katherine, the
holidays are always a special time of the year, but they have been extra
special since you have been in our lives. This has been our second Christmas
together, and while your first Christmas last year was wonderful, this one was
so much more special as you are beginning to understand that something different
and special is going on.A few nights before Christmas we took a drive around town to look at the Christmas lights as we traditionally do – we thought you might enjoy the twinkling lights and beautiful holiday displays as well. I did plan ahead – researched and printed a list with the most elaborate displays in town, dressed your warmly and buckled you snugly into your car seat. Armed with a map on my phone, I navigated your daddy to our first destination. Arriving and pointing to the beautiful light displays, you had peacefully fallen asleep. As we continued our tour, you had a perfect nap (yes, we know better than waking a sleeping toddler… not even for Christmas lights) and just as we were driving back home you woke up. As I mentioned to your dad that I am sure you would have enjoyed the lights, he ignored the fact that is was dinner time by now and discontinued our drive home. Instead he drove to a part of town which always has spectacular displays. Your eyes were big and your face was beaming with joy as you discovered the lights, the snowmen, santas, reindeer and even saw some gigantic penguins pulling a sleigh.
This Christmas has also been special as your grandma (my mom) is visiting us from Germany and you get to spend time with her… reading stories (in German… today you tried to bring her an English book to read to you, which didn’t go over so well, but you did look at its pictures together), playing together with your toys and looking at picture books – and she is teaching you some great German children’s rhymes as well. We’re even sneaking in some German TV on some evenings, we had some cake today made from a German recipe (which you “helped” to make) – and you even tried to reach for the German beer we had the other evening (unsuccessfully I may add as I was quick to get it out of your reach).
You are teaching me that Christmas isn’t about the presents, it’s about the memories we create. While you certainly enjoy your new car racing track, it’s not about the toy, but about pulling us across the living room and playing with it together with you. The memories of you helping me with my baking in the kitchen, the memories of you hanging ornaments on the bottom of tree as we were decorating it together, the memories of your big eyes when you saw the Christmas tree lit up for the first time – that’s what Christmas is all about. I love you always and forever.
