We celebrated Christmas with family, waking up to treasures that our 3 year old doesn’t yet understand but ones our 10 year old cherishes. Against all odds he’s still holding onto the magic of Santa, this Christmas likely his last one as a believer. One of our dear friends told us recently that their 9 year old told them that there was “a rumour going around school that Santa doesn’t exist!” We think of the movie Polar Express, and know that as long as we can hear the ringing of the bell, then Santa exists. I feel strongly that the innocence of childhood is attached to these traditions, so we’re willing partners in the deception for as long as we can drag it out. I remember my own childhood where I stopped believing in Santa at about the age of 7, and learned to snoop for gifts my mother had thought she’d squirreled away. I always knew what I was getting for Christmas, before Christmas but that was still OK for me. I went from childhood innocence to deception and dishonesty without feeling a thing. So as unbelievable as it seems, somehow those boxes and bags that lined the perimeter of our bedroom didn’t catch the eye of our son. Next year we probably won’t be so lucky.

Christmas afternoon was lovely, with Sis and her family putting together an incredible dinner that everyone enjoyed. Great gifts were exchanged and we left their house with smiles on our faces and fond memories that will endure. Boxing Day was spent with friends at our table over a dinner that magically all came together at the perfect time. The food, the wine, and the company were terrific.

So, it’s the start of the New Year once again and we feel optimistic that this year will be better than the last. For us, 2012 was as good as it was terrible. While we enjoyed the privilege of getting to know our new daughter, we lost my father and will suffer for that tragedy until the end of days. My sister-in-law thoughtfully sent round an email that my father had sent to us at this time last year. Little did we know that we would lose him less than six months after he wrote it. I have no doubt that he’d be happy to share it with everyone!