Holiday Cheer

This Christmas season, the little man was full of curiosity, excitement and questions.

"Mama, why is snow white?"

"Why is snow cold?"

"Why is snow flat?"

"Do the reindeers like the snow?"

"Why doesn't Santa come through the front door?"

In addition to a nearly constant barrage of questions about Santa, elves, reindeer and the snow, the little man was also very certain of three things:

1. That he was on Santa's nice list.

2. That he wanted a little green steam engine train.

3. That he also wanted a big swirly lollipop in his stocking.

I was sure that - like all things preschooler - the little man would change his mind a hundred times between Thanksgiving and Christmas regarding what present he wanted from Santa.

But I was wrong.

The little man was adamant that he wanted a little green steam engine and a swirly lollipop.

So, as the Christmas slowly approached, the little man's excitement grew and grew. I thought for sure his birthday would serve as a good distraction (which it did for about a day) but to the little man, Christmas was not coming fast enough.

And when the day finally came to load up the car and head to Nana's house, we were met with squeals of delight.

So we loaded up the presents, assured the little man one last time that Santa would know he was spending the night at Nana's house and headed out on our way.

That night, the little man could barely stand it. His excitement kept him awake, but he tried desperately to fall asleep, for he knew that the elves would check on him to make sure he was asleep before Santa came to deliver his little green steam engine and swirly lollipop that he so wanted.

Christmas morning, with wide blue eyes and a heart full of anticipation, the little man slowly climbed the stairs to the living room from where he had been sleeping in the basement.

The milk had been drunk.

The cookies had been eaten.

There were hoof prints in the snow.

And, of course, a shiny new little green steam engine and a bright swirly lollipop hanging in his stocking.

And a family full of Christmas magic and cheer as we saw the smile creep across the little man's face.

{Twas the Night Before Christmas ...}

{Per the little man, Santa needed chocolate milk}

{And cookies and carrots for the reindeer}


{The little man carefully climbs the stairs ...}

{And what did he find?}

{A little green steam engine ...}

{And a new track and train to go with it}

{And, of course, a swirly lollipop}

{But there were also oh-so-many-more gifts to open ...}

{And many more toys to discover ...}

{And then came this ...}

{Forget the train ... Chainsaws are so much cooler}