Searching for Christmas Spirit: Day Three

Last night, I took the children shopping to purchase a gift for the person who’s name they drew. They were given their budget and sent loose to pick the perfect gift their sibling would enjoy.

Normally, when I go to the store with the kids, it’s usually a “me, me, me” kind of moment—Can I have a little toy?; Can I have a treat?; Oh, I hope Santa brings me this and this and this . . .

But this time at the store was wonderfully different. They each came back with their basket and their special gift hidden by their hoodies so the other ones couldn’t see.

Oh, my little Calder! He can be such a pill and such a selfish little bugger (ya gotta love him), was more excited than I had ever seen him be. NOT because of what he hoped his big brother picked out for him, but for the gift he picked out for his sister. “I bet she’s gonna love it? Huh?” or “When I saw the price, I KNEW I had to get it for her. I just had to.” or “It’s more than just a toy. She can play with it. It stands, plays music, lights up, and she can play with it on the computer too. She’ll play with it all day! Do you think she’s gonna like it?”  Over and over he asks that, “Do you think she’s gonna like it?”

Even this morning, he kept telling her how much she’s going to love his gift to her. For his sake, I hope she does. (I’m certain she will).

That is sweet. The smile on my face is huge.

They each took turns wrapping these special gifts and placing them under the tree. Callie teases Caden and tells him that she bought him a snow globe (it’s that shape, but it isn’t). The funny thing, Caden believes her and is upset that she spoiled the surprise. What a gullible kid.

Last night as well, we curled up on the couch and my little Callie yelled out “I call snuggling with mom!” (Now keep in mind, very rarely does Calder like to snuggle. Sometimes, but not usually. And Caden, my snuggling with him is more of me tackling him and holding him down. He’s much too big and too cool for that. So when Callie calls snuggling with mom, I quickly accept. She’s only going to be little once. They grow up too soon).

This is Christmas. Snuggling. Movies. Loving one another.

Oh, and as an early Christmas present to me—Caden cut his shaggy hair. Yippee! He hugged me and said, "Merry Christmas, Mom." Wow. I can see his ears—his ears!!! I haven’t seen those in months. It makes me teary.