The most wonderful time of the year

It's the most wonderful time of the year.....

The time leading up to Christmas Day is chock full of anticipation. I remember when I was a kid how every day in December seemed to crawl by because I was so excited for Santa to come. I could not wait for school to get out for Christmas vacation! Back then, it seemed like we had two and a half weeks off to lounge around and play in the snow. I'm sure my sisters and I drove my parents nuts.

Later in my teen years, I became cynical about the holidays. I didn't like having to put on my game face. I guess I wasn't understanding what the holiday truly meant. I thought it was all about being with family members I didn't want to be around, saying thank you for gifts that weren't something I remotely liked. (Teens are so difficult to buy for!)

It's different now that I have my own daughter, and I can see the holiday for the real meaning: it's not gifts and food and relatives. It's about hope—hope for the future to be better than it is right now. I must have heard "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" three times already, and it's only December 1st. Every time I hear it, I tear up. It reminds me of my grandmother, and the Christmases spent with her, but it also makes me feel hopeful. Someday we all WILL be together.

I will always believe there is a Santa Claus. Without magic and wonder, there can be no hope. I don't think I want to live in a world without Santa. :)