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Last night we brought out the Christmas decorations. Jackson has been begging for almost two weeks for us to put them up. He keeps insisting that Christmas is almost here (and then asking how many more days until Christmas.)
As we listened to a kids choir singing carols and pulled out the different ornaments, Jackson danced and jumped around the room, singing and basically acting like a crazed – but happy – little monkey.
When I handed him his nativity set that his Sunday School teachers gave him when he was three, he clutched his heart and exclaimed, “Oh… all the little parts of Christmas … all the things I remember!”
Watching him revel in details of his Christmas experience reminds me how important these times are. This is his time – his childhood. He only has a few years at this innocent age. Each Christmas is a precious season that we won’t get to repeat. The little flashes of memories – a special ornament he hangs, a carol he loves, a candy melting in his mouth – whatever those flashes are that he will carry for the rest of his life, he is forming them now.
My sensitive, almost-six-year-old will remember if his home felt warm and happy at Christmas time. He will remember if he felt loved and peaceful and excited.
As his Christmases blur together, I want my son to be left with a sensation that Christmas was a beautiful time in his childhood. I don’t want him to remember a mother who was too busy to put up the Christmas decorations on time or a household that was full of stress or bickering. I want the flashes of memories to be good things that he replays over and over in his mind as he grows. I want him to always feel like clutching his heart and happily remembering “all the little parts of Christmas.”
Shera says
What a beautifully expressed reminder of the joys and reason for making Christmas special! I too have been realizing how little time we have with our kiddos and I completely enjoyed reading this heartwarming post!
jen says
Im pleased your little monkey is happy
Christmas is such a special time of year
Sherry Wells says
Wonderful post. It made me stop and “remember all the little parts of Christmas”. Mostly our Saviour. Thanks.
Barb says
What a sweet post, Janice. “All the little parts of Christmas.” Precious.
You’re making the same memories I’m now making for grandchildren as well as my grown children. What’s the point if they don’t have memories of love and peace and happiness, right?
Tiffany M says
Thank you for you beautiful post. It has been a stressful season for us and I forget that they are small for only a short time. Thank you for reminding me! Merry Christmas!
Stephanie says
What a sweet story! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Janice says
Yes – Tiff – I totally agree with you. It is about teaching our kids the true meaning.
Rose says
Thank you, that was beautiful. 🙂
Le Anne says
Thank you for that post. It was just the reminder that I needed at this time of the season. I need to remember that it is not about the perfectly decorated tree or baked goods looking perfect to present to the neighbors. It is about letting the kids in on the process and teaching them about caring and sharing. I love that you reminded me that this is their time. Thank you again!
Tiff says
What a great post!!! Christmas is partly about making wonderful memories for our kids! But mostly about teaching our kids the true meaning of the Celebration!