So Christmas is now two days away. Presents are wrapped, tree decorated, anticipation building...but it's hard for me to understand the idea of the Christmas miracle.
Honestly, the "Christmas miracle" idea must be a Hollywood notion because I've yet to experience it. There's also supposed to be "magic" this time of year, but again, I've yet to experience that. All the different movies, television shows, and even "feel good" stories we hear about don't seemingly appear in real life. Instead, real life consists of eating more than we should, stress, anger, and disappointment.
Obligations surround so many of us during the Christmas season. For years, I've loved sending and receiving Christmas cards and letters, but for the past two years, I really haven't cared. I've loved shopping for the perfect gifts, preparing our house to host our families, and cooking Italian food for Christmas Eve. Now, it seems like more of a hassle rather than a pleasure to do any of these things.
As a child, the season was filled with magic as wonderful smells emanated from the kitchen where my mom was making cookies, fudge, and other delectable treats. One day during the season was devoted to watching my mom and my nana make traditional Italian cookies...tortidi and scalidi. While they were making the cookies, they were also baking homemade bread and rolls. Our jobs involved rolling dough and listening to them talk.
Christmas Eve was devoted to our family celebrating with lasagna, meatballs, sausage...all yummy dishes. My brother and I were relegated to the living room and parked in front of the TV while everything was prepared. After dinner, my dad had to do something with us until we were ready for games of gin, coffee, and cake. Finally, as we were about to burst, it was time to open gifts. Naturally, Santa came throughout the night, which was exciting. Plus we went to church, and then it was time to have everyone over again for turkey or ham, and a full feast of potatoes, veggies, and pie.
I keep remembering those magical Christmases rather than anticipating the current Christmas. I wish for all those who loved me then were around now. I want my son to have magical Christmases like I did, which is why we play with Elf on the Shelf, email Santa, and try to fulfill his desires. I want him to remember some of our traditions, like driving around, looking at lights at other people's homes or watching the Parade of Lights.
Christmas magic, while a fabrication of Hollywood, would be nice to have this year. I would love a miracle, like finding my Christmas spirit. I want to enjoy it rather than cry through it.
