Xmas with Venice

Venice enjoyed this holiday season immensely. She had fun helping me decorate the house, making cookies for Santa, wrapping gifts, and celebrating at all the parties. She was always thinking and wondering how Santa got down chimneys. "What if there is a fire?" "Why doesn't he use the front door?" "How does he fit?" And more. You could really see the wheels turning in her head trying to figure him out. She was super excited to open gifts this year. Ripping through wrapping paper, barely glancing at the gift, immediately ready to open the next one. She would also help others who were 'slower' in opening their gifts. One gift in particular got a great response, "This is JUST what I wanted!" When I asked her what it was, she replied, "I don't know!" Of course the room erupted in laughter. She was truly fun to watch and her excitement was contageous. (By the way, the gift that was just what she wanted was an EZBake Oven.)

Also on our agenda this holiday season was to teach her that all kids aren't as fortunate as she is. That the holiday season is about helping others when you can. So we went to the toy store and she picked out a few gifts to give to other children. We bought them and donated them at the local toy drive. I wasn't sure how much of this experience resonated with her, but was hoping that in the years to come, we could instill the donating spirit through repetition of this new tradition. A day after Christmas, after opening a sick amount of gifts, we asked Venice, "What is the meaning of Christmas?" I underestimated my child, as I fully anticipated an answer of, "Presents!" Instead, I was treated to a sweet answer of, "Giving and sharing." Nice to know a bit of our message was heard through all the garbled noise that can be marketed at Christmas time.