As Christmas is fast approaching, I have been thinking about what this special holiday means to me.
When I was younger, Christmas was all about getting together with family and exchanging gifts, of course. It wasn’t only receiving gifts I enjoyed, but also finding gifts for my loved ones. I loved going out on a busy Saturday to battle the crowds in the malls for that perfect gift. As I got older, the meaning changed for me, and it has been completely redefined now that I am a mother.
This is the first year my son can really participate in the holiday season, since he was too young last December. I love introducing him to the Christmas season for the first time. This year we are establishing new traditions that we can experience as a family.
Our son still doesn’t understand the idea of gift giving, but is very enthusiastic about seeing Santa, Rudolph and Frosty. We have been busy teaching him different Christmas carols; he hums along and says the odd word. He helped daddy pick out and chop down our first real Christmas tree, and helped decorate the tree with all the special family ornaments.
Each day we make a Christmas craft, displaying them all throughout our house. We also cuddle up on the couch and watch a Christmas show, which reminds me of my younger days with my parents. As the celebrations begin, he gets to partake in the family time, enjoying the holiday cheer that this season brings to everyone. I can see the excitement building each day as we get closer to the holidays.
That’s what the holidays are about to us – family traditions and memories that last a lifetime. I often pause to watch my son as he is experiencing something for the first time. I wish I could experience the holidays through his eyes. I hope that he keeps his innocence as he gets older, that he grows up to understand the true meaning of the holidays, and that he enjoys these family traditions as much as we do.
What does Christmas mean to you?
Tricia
http://www.ottawavalleymoms.com
