Celebrating Our Way
“We’d come flying out of the hallway, marveling at the gorgeous Christmas lights and the presents that magically found their way beneath the tree the night before.”
Finally, we’d find ourselves gathered in the hall, giddy excitement pouring out of us at an obscenely early hour.
Then, our parents would say those magic words: “On your marks … Get set … Go!”
We’d come flying out of the hallway, marveling at the gorgeous Christmas lights and the presents that magically found their way beneath the tree the night before. To this day, that is one of my favorite holiday memories, and it’s a feeling I never want to lose. Being on the other side of this tradition is also a wonderful experience. My youngest will tap on our bedroom door Christmas morning, snuggle her way into our bed, and one by one, the whole family arrives. If grandparents are visiting, the girls run down to grab them, and the same rule applies. We all have to wait in our bedroom until we can go into the living room together to see the magical wonderland our family room has transformed into overnight. It’s the most beautiful way to begin our holiday. The morning is slow and relaxed. The kids excitedly unwrap their gifts, and everyone lounges in their PJs or onesies from the night before. There’s no pressure, and there’s no need to rush off somewhere. We just enjoy the morning, letting the holiday unfold before us. Of course, the living room becomes a mess … and I let it stay that way! That’s what the holidays are for. They’re imperfect. It’s a silly time meant for fun and laughter. Afterward, we make our way to the kitchen for breakfast, and on Christmas, there are no limits! Some of us have a brownie for breakfast; others indulge in whatever they can find. Sometimes
THE TRAD I T IONS THAT MAKE OUR HOME MERRY AND BR IGHT
My four brothers and I could barely contain our excitement leading up to Christmas each year. Our home was buzzing with holiday activity. Every Christmas Eve, we went to bed filled with excitement over what the beautifully decorated tree would look like the next day. Bursting with joy, we would sneak into our parents’ room the next
morning, crawl into their bed, and snuggle. We weren’t allowed in the living room until everyone was awake, but that was okay with us. This was a coveted morning for us. It was one of the few times we were allowed in our parents’ bed, and I soaked it up every year.
6 Danette May’s Lotus Journal
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