Hello, Christmas spirit!

I was having a hard time getting into Christmas this year...too much to do at work can make all the fun things like buying presents, decorating, making treats, etc. feel like chores.  I want Omar to feel the magic of all the fun holiday stuff, though. I want him to enjoy the songs, anticipate the presents, get goosebumps when he sees the pretty lights...and I felt like I was letting him down. Part of the problem is that we're not going to be here for Christmas, so I don't know how I'm going to make all this happen in a place where he's not very familiar, and I haven't had time to figure out what I want to do with our decorations and look into what songs I like, so I was hesitating to do anything...

Then a CHRISTMAS MIRACLE happened! 

We came home from Art's work holiday party, and found a package on our doorstep from Mrs. Claus (aka Aunt Tina Penn) - wrapped perfectly and in perfect condition. We opened it, and it might as well have had pixie dust...

There was Christmas music, a Santa suit for Omar in just the right size with an adorable Christmas tie onesie, Christmas treats (Art: "Oh look, she even sent some crack"...that's what he calls the chocolate covered chex stuff), an ornament made by Logan, and an ornament with a picture of Grandma Betty and Grandpa Ray (this really brought tears to my eyes), etc. etc. I just felt the Christmas spirit that had been eluding me hit me full force and the three of us started dancing around our tiny tree to the music. I could tell Omar felt the spirit and I know Grandma Betty is alive in Tina's generosity and kindness. Thank you so much, Tina!