Christmas time. There are so many emotions and memories; hustle and bustle. This year I wish for you to experience the joy of the holiday season and embrace the joy and delight of the day as a child the way Benjamin did.
Ben loved Christmas. He loved the music, the movies, and books. He loved the Christmas tree, the ornaments, and the angel on top. But best of all, he loved to unwrap presents. Everyone’s presents. LOL
When Ben was small, I couldn’t put presents under the tree before Christmas day because he would open them. He didn’t understand that he had to wait or that some of the presents weren’t for him. He loved the mystery of the package and the satisfaction of unwrapping a present.
One year I was successful in getting my shopping and wrapping done earlier than usual. I thought to myself that since Ben was a bit older now, maybe I could put the presents under the tree before Christmas day. As I placed the gifts under the tree he watched with a big smile even while he continued to watch his television program.
Later that night, around 3 am, I heard a noise in the living room. I got out of bed, put on my robe, and carefully walked down the dark hallway to see what the noise was.
Imagine my surprise when I saw Benjamin sitting in the big recliner chair, with his face covered in chocolate, and the biggest grin on his face. The living room floor was covered in wrapping paper, ribbons, tissue paper, and boxes. He had opened EVERYTHING!
Actually, he had not only unwrapped each gift under the tree, but he had taken everything out of their boxes, too!
I started to laugh. He was so pleased with himself, I couldn’t help it.
The grin on his face was so big! He was so happy! He had had the best time unwrapping every present without any interruption. Benjamin had enjoyed his best Christmas ever. All by himself. In the middle of the night.
Quickly I gathered up all the gifts and wrappings into laundry baskets to be hidden before his siblings woke up to the noise and saw what had happened. I knew they wouldn’t be pleased.
As I cleaned up Ben’s face, took him back to bed, and hugged him tight, all I could think of was how much work it would be to re-wrap everything. But the joy on his face that night was worth it. I still smile every time I think of his big chocolatey grin, sitting in the midst of the debris. I still think of it as Ben’s BEST Christmas Surprise!
Embrace the chaos. Find the moments to cherish. Laugh and smile at the little things. And may you be blessed with child-like joy this season.
