Tree Gazing

My Fritter has been in heaven since we put up our Christmas tree on Sunday.  That day we only added lights, but that was all he needed to understand that something wonderful was happening.  Yesterday we added the garland, and he is convinced (and has almost convinced us) that it is ice and snow hanging on the tree.  He's also taken to wearing his hat and gloves inside while watching a movie, and he pretends our white tile is snow covering the floor of our house.  I can see it with him.  I don't know how to break it to him that it just doesn't snow where we live.  ;-)  Then again, maybe I don't have to.  His imagination has made it almost real for him, and what we can't and the weather won't provide, he is able to make possible.

Though we won't be home for Christmas this year, and though it will be hard being away from family, I think we are going to have a wonderful one all the same.  We are baking, and decorating in little bits, and reading Christmas stories, and retelling THE Christmas story over and over again.  The wonder of the season has taken its hold on us, and I'm unwilling to break us free.

Every morning, while it's still dark, I turn the Christmas tree lights on.  Sitting next to it with my prayer book and a hot cup of coffee I speak to the One whom Christmas is all about.  It's never long before the pitter patter of Fritter's feet join me, and while I pray, he gazes at the tree and snuggles close to me.  These are the days I will cherish forever.