Start of the Season...

Imagine a little nursery out in the middle of farm land. A sweet little Christmas shop full of decorations, poinsettias, and Santa bells. Live sheep and donkeys, a huge camel, and even 2 reindeer...Snowflake and Blitzen. You enter the nursery and are surrounded by fresh evergreens. To your left are hot chocolate and cookies. The line wraps around and around. Kids all bundled up, their rosy little cheeks poking out behind snow hats. Their voices and laughter filling the room. The line moves so slow, but you don't care. You drove an hour to get there, and every second is well worth it. Finally, you are getting close...there he sits. The man behind the season. The real life Santa Clause. He's the real deal. Long, snowy white beard. Soft, red velvety suit. Shiny black shoes. Bells dangle from his waist. His eyes are shining and his cheeks are red. Your littles stare on in utter amazement. Its Santa Clause. They nervously and excitedly wait their turn. Your oldest boy hops right on up there, gives Santa a big hug. Gently runs his hands down the sleeve of his suit, and tells Santa he likes it. Santa smiles and asks him what he would like for Christmas. You middle boy heads up there, his head hanging just a little cause he is a tiny bit scared...but bound and determined that jolly old man will know what he wants. Santa asks if he has been a good boy, your little one catches your eye and says nervously...um, mostly. We laugh, cause while this is kinda true...that middle boy knows he is a handful. Your baby's turn next...he stares at Santa in utter amazement. You have never seen his eyes so big. Not a peep comes out of him. He stares and stares at this jolly old man, reaching out his little hand to touch his beard and his dangling hat. Mom and Dad stare on, this is what the season is all about. Love, family, the magic shining in your children's eyes. May we always believe. Always.

Happy December!