Christmas Fever

D's excitement for Christmas was palpable. He had a fever he was fighting to get rid of before the big day arrived but it didn't budge. The nights were fitful and the days were long and weary for him but on Christmas morning, it couldn't deter him from waking up wide-eyed at 6 am to check if Mr. Claus paid a visit. He dashed downstairs- his small, rapid footsteps reverberating through the otherwise quiet house to the room where the Christmas tree stood in all its glory, gasped at what he saw and came dashing back up to break the stupendous news-Mama, Santa came last night. There are presents under the tree, he announced breathlessly barely containing his excitement.

Thus began our Christmas morning with the kids opening their gifts and 'woo-hooing' in approval of what they saw just like in many homes across the world.


This is the moment we all wait for, prepare earnestly and feverishly for - all culminating into a few priceless hours of joy, love, beauty and wonder. Memories are revisited and new ones are created and as I watch my two little munchkins unveil their gifts, I close my eyes and send a little prayer of gratitude for the generous and plentiful life we have.

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Christmas eve was a flurry of activities - getting ready for the Big Man's visit. D wanted to make sure that we leave some cookies, milk and reindeer food, all in anticipation of the special visitors. But the highlight of it all was the letter he made me write for Santa Claus:

Dear Santa,

I have been a good listener in school. Please come to Frederick, Maryland.
Thank you Santa. Merry Xmas to you. I love you.

D.




And it all paid off.....for him, a confirmation that he was a good little boy all year long and for me, well, to see the special meaning this day holds for him.