Last night, we were doing our gingerbread house, because, well it is tradition! Unfortunately, Bryce must have had a long day, and he was asleep on the couch by about 5:45, and didn't get up until 7am (we did move him to bed). So, he didn't help us. But, the three of us got it done. Just opening the box made the Christmas Spirit flow! The smell was amazing.
The house did get built, it was actually pretty easy. Then Danika decorated it with the icings and candy. And well, we will say, it could have been decorated a bit more. She was eating the icing and the candy, and was extremely hyper by the end. Excitement and sugar don't mix well in a 4 year old! When they were done the building and decorating, Brett and Danika mixed the leftovers- yep, the icing and candy, and then Danika got to try some. Well, that started a nice party for her. When we finally took it all away she was licking the table clean!
As I was laying in bed last night, I was thinking of two things that I always "knew" about with Christmas. The first being that Santa gets all the credit for stuff that parents do, and that "it is about giving, not receiving". Well, maybe it was the gingerbread, but last night, these two things combined in my head. I was thinking about the kids, and how I am so thankful to be here with them, AND to be able to give them the Christmas that kids dream about. I remembered the things that I loved as a kid, and what made me the big fan of Christmas. Yes, I was a kid, so yes, it was mainly about the pile of gifts under the tree, but it was also about family and the things we did.
We had a tradition when I was younger, we would go to banff on Christmas eve. And although we don't do that, things like building a gingerbread house, and going to see the zoo lights, will the the things that our kids remember, and the memories of Christmas that they treasure. Along with the gifts that we can afford to get them. I am not saying there are many, but some kids have none, and I am so happy that we can provide that for them.
The memories, the hope, believing, magic, that is what we as parents will get credit for! As we sit back and watch the children Christmas morning (and leading up to Christmas with things that we do with them), and then as the children get older and understand what we provided for them. That we helped in the making of the magic memories.
Yes, Santa gets the credit, but he doesn't get to see their faces, and get the best gift of all- the magical feeling of giving. Giving not only objects at Christmas, but memories, and the feeling of believing in magic.
Which is where the two things combine. Giving is better than receiving, and although they don't know all of it right now, Santa does get the credit, but so do the parents. I would rather give, than receive at Christmas time, especially to kids- mine and others. The best gift of all is watching their faces!
With this- I also encourage everyone to take one gift that you were going to give (maybe to your kids, maybe someone else), and instead of spending that extra $10-$20 on something, spend it on a toy for a child that won't normally have that Christmas magic in the morning. Next time you are grocery shopping, take $2 and buy a box of stuffing, or some soup or pasta and put it in the food bank box.
Remember, Magic, Memories, Tradition, and Giving! Merry Christmas EVERYONE!
(okay, mushy part over!) Here are some pictures from our gingerbread building, and of course, everyones favourite Hendricks- George!
Last night, this is what George did to the bathroom! The kids saw it this morning!
Building!
Showing off the finished product!
Mixing and eating their concoction!
And, too much sugar, licking the table!
1 comment:
I am so happy you remember our Christmas's - family, fun and the magic was my favourite part too! I loved to watch your face light up! Can't wait to make some magic when I get out there, twelve more days!
Gingerbread house looks fabulous, Danika and Daddy are quite the artists.
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