Christmas 2008

Well, it has passed and I am a bit saddened. Santa is not that which he has been in the past in our house. We had a great fest with all the usual visitors present, lots of food and sweets but it was different.Times are moving fast in our house, boys are growing up, preparing to move to new schools next fall and those ten years are coming at light speed. Topics of discussion are not only those of family topics but also those which had been picked up from the playground, local paper or radio news. We now discuss world history and its current politics with our 9 year olds and this of course brings up the fact of whether there is a Santa or not. Sure, there were wish lists put together but there was little interest as last year to mail it off to Santa - just hand it to mom or dad and that will do the job seemed the mission.But when we returned from late afternoon church there was an excitement at the door to what might have been brought by the big guy. This was the moment where the really might be a guy in a red suit with reindeer. But that moment was fleeting and then the reality of the moment returned. Although, different to past years there was a decent opening of presents with each waiting anxiously for the other to open their present and a joy for the other as it was finally unveiled.Everyone was really happy with their take and that of the others and was a peaceful evening. We now have a game console "Wii" thanks to the grandparents, at least that is our excuse.Merry Christmas to all and a Happy and Healthy New Year.