“Grandma,” a little voice asked, “can you talk Santa into bringing me a video camera?” I smiled. The younger generation sure is a lot smarter. I can barely answer a call on my cell phone, and forget it if another call comes in while I’m talking to someone else. At my grandson’s age, eight years old, I was still playing with dolls. And none of these fancy dolls with hair that grows or is able to digest and process food.
Still Christmas was a magical time.
I asked for a bride doll after I’d spotted Linda in the local toy store, perched high on a shelf in a lofty position. She had sandy blond hair and wore a long, beautiful, and modest I might add, white dress. She was slender, and her open-and-close eyes sparkled. I’d been fairly good all year and was confident my house wouldn’t be passed over. But to prevent any possible error in gift selection, I jotted down all the specs in my letter to Santa.
Excited, I couldn’t sleep much that night. I’d peeked under the door. Finally in the wee hours of the morning, in my new Christmas Eve flannel pajamas, my parents let me open my presents, minutes after Santa had dashed away on his sleigh. Not only was Linda under the tree, but my mom had also been in cahoots with Santa. Surrounding this elegant doll were outfits befitting a queen. The latest fashions of the day, including a green, wrap-around corduroy suit and silk blouse; a red satin evening dress; a black, brocade bubble dress with a handmade rose corsage; a felt poodle skirt; and a blue chemise dress, were at my feet. Grandma had donated a piece of her old mink coat, and Mom stitched a stole. There certainly was magic that morning.
Holiday magic is still present, often seen in the eyes of the very young. My grandchildren sing of Frosty the Snowman, write letters to Santa, and count down to the big day on a felt decorated holiday calendar. On Christmas Eve, they bubble with excitement, unwrapping traditional gifts of warm winter pajamas, and setting out a plate of cookies for some special visitors. And who knows, Santa or one of his generous helpers may just get an inkling of my grandson’s Christmas wish and a little magic under the tree will happen once more.
See the full article in the December Magic edition of Polite Society Magazine.
Related posts:
- Christmases past
- The lost wise man
- Holiday preparation
- Modern family
- I need a vacation from my vacation
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What a wonderful memory. I’m so glad you shared it.