The excitement and anticipation fizzled out for my family after my sister and I turned 18, now that we both have kids (in our early 30s) it's gotten a lot more fun!
The elf on the shelf, seeing my 3yo face light up after he saw the lights I put on the house , going to our Michigan Christmas tree lot in cordova to find the best tree, reliving decorating it with ornaments from my and my wife's childhood, along with new ornaments my son made and making those memories with "My" family, having a 3 month old baby boy to enjoy , shopping for my sons and niece and nephews, seeing their faces open presents and actually like giving presents to their cousins, eating all day, and leftovers after, having a cigar and coffee with my dad to wind down (we burned my SECCG,and playoff Tennessee Waltz cigars)
It truly is a magical time of year, my wife and I being together for our 10th Christmas,(4th married) now with 2 amazing kids and careers going in the right direction, being happy together and with family, a time of year for us to look back and appreciate the ups and downs, and feeling the need to strive to be better and grow stronger, looking forward in life not dwelling on our past mistakes, trying to help as many less fortunate we can and each year we find a different way to give back, help family that's down and not be selfish with we are blessed with.
My family and I believe Santa Claus is more than what kids think, it's a spirit we never lose sight of, not just getting cool stuff.
My niece is 10 now and is an amazing pianist, she's gotten bored with it and wants to play the violin so my parents got her one for Christmas( no cheap toy beginners instrument) a really nice symphony style, and to see her breakout in tears when she opened it and be the happiest kid on the planet was the best gift I received, this girl is smart and caring, never selfish and gives 100% to everything she does, she helped raise money to bring back an exchange student from the Philippines she became good friends with, (its something different than an actual exchange student I'm not too sure of the situation) but her friend will be coming back for 3 years in 2018, and my niece is the main reason it's happening.
We can't wait to see her first violin recital.
This season can't last all year but we have to learn giving is something we should do year round, God Bless you all and have a Happy New Year.