Maybe it was because Christmas in Portugal at that time was not yet a very commercialized holiday.
Christmas for us was about Jesus, church, and big meals with family. (and presents of course)
There was always some aunt/uncle that would dress up as Santa in order to hand everyone their presents but it was always as a joke.
Will on the other hand believed in Santa until he was 12 years old. (yeah!)
John and Hayes (his parents) always did a great job at only wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve so when he and his siblings would wake in the morning, the tree was full of presents.
They would also leave milk and cookies for Santa.
I like the thought of believing in Santa. (or believing in the magic of Christmas)
Lily has not yet been taken anywhere to sit on Santa’s lap (or the Easter bunny for that matter of fact) because I think it’s something that should live in a child’s heart and imagination.
Like magic.
This past Christmas was a bit magical with a two year old Lily.
We started with an advent calendar in the beginning of the month, we read The Night Before Christmas for a week every night before the day AND on Christmas Eve, Lily left milk and cookies for Santa by the chimney.
On Christmas day after she went through her stocking that was left by her crib by Santa, she walked into the room, saw all the presents under the tree, saw the empty glass and plate and said “Santa was here!”.
She believes.
I can’t wait for the years to come and I hope Will and I can pull off the magic of Santa.
On Christmas eve we made a big dinner, Lily got to open her ornament present (a tradition we started least year), we read The night before Christmas, she left cookies and milk for Santa and once she was asleep, we adults sat by the fire.
It was just like how it’s supposed to be, with family.
Happy monday and I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!
Will designed our Christmas card this year. What do you think? (i kinda love it!)
Well, here we are! Christmas eve day. I love Christmas eve. It always reminds me of being a child and being surrounded by family. It always brings back such magical feelings.
I can’t wait to see Lily’s little face tomorrow morning when she sees the tree full of presents from Santa.
Let the magic of Christmas begin!!
I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Especially to my family in Portugal and to our very dear friends.
good morning Miami. saturday. from Lily’s room
