A Calming to the Magic

For 14 years, I have played Santa Claus.  Well, let's be practical, 12 years?  Santa has brought many things throughout the years ---
1. A handmade work bench with Perry and Simon's name on either side and matching worker man aprons (john made this)
2. A pillow case that had a picture of each child sound asleep in the pajamas that they just opened up hours before on Christmas Eve
3. The next book in a sequence that was not even in print yet (even had a different jacket on it)
4. A new family kitten that seemingly appeared out of no where
5. A cell phone that mom and dad were vehemently opposed to
6. Hot Chocolate mugs with picture of each child sound asleep in the pajamas that they just opened up hours before on Christmas Eve.

For the past many years, my oldest has tried to catch Santa.
1. Hiding a note under his covers that said, "If you are real, will you leave a present by my bed for me?" (I am so happy that I found this note that evening.  Santa was able to dig up something 'special' during those wee hours of the night
2. Placed a spy system maze of sorts that would trip off an alarm when crossing the red light beam
3. Set up a video camera to video tape the entire evening --- too bad that Cat from a few christmas' ago sat in front of the lens during the arrival of santa....we were able to hear him...just not see him. 

Anyway, this year, there really is no "How did he do THAT?" scenario.  Lucy is still teetering on whether she believes or not - so Santa is getting her a costumed made desk chair that her aunt in Duluth is making for her.  Perry will get his expensive dicso light and simon will get a cool mp3 player that is a little more affordable than an ipod.  They will all be happy....but there has been no mention of going to see santa at the mall, writing him a letter, an email, etc.  There hasn't even been talk about what kind of cookies we will be leaving for him this year.  It feels so much different.  Next year, I will ramp things up again for Sidney's 3rd Christmas.  No big surprises this year. 

it simply feels more calm and quiet -- a mature kind of Christmas....mixed in with the excitement.  Simon (12) came home from school the other day and began to jump up and down for 5 minutes after seeing the presents under the tree. 

One tradition i will continue to keep is that I wrap each gift in a different paper and leave out the name -- there are many 'anonymous' gifts under our tree.  keeps them in suspense.

Always, thank you for listening
Katie