Childhood Magic

When I was a kid (moreso than now), my mom used to decorate the entire house for Christmas. Decorations on the piano, above the fireplace, above the windows, Santas on the dinning room walls, the bathroom walls, living room table, the end tables all covered, and of course the glorious tree. And on the end table by the couch on the border of the living room and dining room, she would put a little house in which Santas elves would move in and out of windows and doors to Christmas music. I used to sit and stare at that house for God only knows how long, listening to the music and watching the elves and configuring stories in my head. Christmas was more than just a celebration; it was a a feeling and a spirit and a way of life. Years later I tried to sit down and watch that same little house and feel just as entranced but I was bored before a minute was up, and the magic was gone.

This year Christmas came and went quickly. At school we decorated our house and tree, had our Christmas morning breakfast and gift exchange, and took down our tree and gave it away before we all went home for the break. Christmas was finished before I ever came home for the holiday. The house wasn't as decorated this year, which was no fault of my mothers, and I never made a Christmas list. I didn't listen to Christmas music and I felt nothing of the holiday season. During Christmas Eve I felt a glimmer of it when I put out the cookies and milk with my sister. It wasn't until my little sister woke me up the second our alarm went off and jumped up and down on my bed that I began to feel it. And sitting by the tree in my matching pajama set, the same as my sister, with my dad videoing us, and the dogs ripping open their presents it felt like the holiday season. And as I started to open gifts I knew the Christmas magic wasn't gone, and it felt wonderful to feel that childhood joy again.


I often feel that the magic has left my life. My childhood was made of it, but somewhere along the line it took off and wouldn't come back. It was refreshing to learn that opening Christmas presents is one way I can feel it again.

The picture of the child that looks much like I would have staring at that elf house is titled "In Awe" by SDGrrL and the picture of the presents is titled "Christmas Wrapping!" by hello_rach. Both were found on flickr.

12/25/10