It's been a few years since Our Boys, now 15 and 13, believed in the magic of the Christmas season. I don't remember precisely when we shared how the inner workings of the Santa Claus tradition were really more of a behind-the-scenes parental effort, but it was bittersweet. Yes, it's commercialized, but there really is nothing better than that moment on Christmas morning when little eyes grow big, and they look around with wonder and amazement with the gifts of the season.
That joy was present in our home again this year. No, Our Boys still know the true story, but they were part of the magic-making this time. Little cousins, five and two, awoke on December 25 with us and trekked downstairs to see what was left for them by the chimney. Eyes were bright, questions were asked, and Patrick and Brendan passed on the tradition that we passed on to them. Yes, it's real. Yes, Santa ate the cookies. Yes, he shared the carrots with the reindeer. One of them might have even embellished with a little, "I heard something on the roof last night..."
It was an honor to host our family this holiday season, for the first time ever at our home. There was a multi-page Google Document, several checklists, and a mad scramble at one point to find the scotch tape. We read books, snuggled, and ate meals together. We laughed, hugged, and went sledding. We opened gifts, read cards, and made new memories. It was the first time we all were together for Christmas in years, not just because of COVID, but because of jobs and geography.
There were too many moments of joy to list but they were there. In the laughter of cousins. In the holiday traditions, old and new. In the wisdom of family. In the shared meals. In the quiet together.
There was not one "big" moment - our joy came from so many expected, and unexpected places.
Despite how wonderful those days were, it had to come to an end. Our extended family has gone back to their own homes. The leaf has been taken out of the table and returned to the basement. The grocery list this week was for four, not eleven. We return to our normal routines of school and work.
The hope is to find more joy in the little things as we move into 2022. In all facets of my life: home, work, friends, family. Little joys will sustain us through the uncertainty of this next phase of COVID. Little joys will buoy us when we are down. Little joys will shine a light through our winter.
Where will you find joy in 2022?
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