Yes, we are terrible bloggers these days, but when we got out the Christmas decorations this year, and the boys came across the 31 Delights book we did a few years back, I realized how precious these little posts will be to us one day and are to us even now looking back. Alex and Aidan loved hearing the notes about when they were little. And they still are little! So how can we pass another season by without at least a few words on the magic of the holidays this year… at 2 (3 in three days!), 5 and 7.
Last week was one of those great and busy and full of festivities holiday weeks. So maybe forgive me for a few too many words (making up for lost time) on our adventures.
Tuesday: Tuesday is always a fun day for the boys at Nana’s house, and when Alex and I joined later in the evening we got to help Nana set up all her Christmas decorations. It was a super special time. By tradition, the first to go up is the Nativity scene. I remember when I was little it was always my favorite to set up (and I always liked to put Baby Jesus in the loft, though I later found him down in his right place every time… hmmm.) The boys took turns putting in the characters and hanging the angels above the scene. Each boy curious who would be unwrapped next and who they would get to put out.
Of course next we had to haul up all the boxes from the basement, Alex and Aidan excited about each one they discovered with Nana from down in her storage room, and calling up to Muma, “Another one’s ready!!!” I brought up the boxes and Lucas helped organize and place them and peek into each one with a report.. “Muma!!! There are ornaments in this one!” “Muma! Yook! (look) Yook at dis!” “Yes, Lukie, You have to put it back for now, we’re not ready yet. Let’s wait for Nana.”
The next big set-up was Alexander’s favorite- the winter village. He has a lego / winter /train scene that he likes to set up here at home, but it shines dimly in the shadows compared to Nana’s ‘magical’ one. He helps to rig all the cords and set up the wiring with a seriousness of the most meticulous A/V technician. Then place the snow, lights, and finally perfect wintry houses in just the right place– all with Nana’s guidance of course. Then come the details, the trees, the people, the sleigh and Aidan and Lucas join in being held up to see, or standing on the chair– each finding just the right spot for their treasure, as handed by Muma. The result is a warmly glowing little scene, that must be tested in all types of lighting to decide the favorite effect– dark, full light, some light, lamp on, lamp off… I can’t remember the favorite in the end…
Finally, it’s time to decorate Nana’s little tree. The big tree and hundreds? of glass balls tucked away indefinitely. The favorite little ornaments remain. Little treasures to remember little grandsons, little Serena, family events, special critters. The boys love to decorate Nana’s tree because they’re allowed to… and because he ornaments are ‘more special than just pretty like Muma’s.’ Not to worry, they have their own critter tree at home, but this one is always the favorite. It’s fun to see Lucas so interested in everything this year. And Aidan was excited to join in too. All three boys darted back and forth finding their favorite treasures to hang on a branch while Nana served Alex some soy ‘holiday nog’ (none for the rest of us, thank you!) and I took pictures.
It was a really special time, and also slacking on the photos lately, I was glad to take lots of pictures- even cheesy phone pics. It was fun that not just Nana or even one kiddo was super excited, but that all three boys jumped right in, singing Christmas carols, helping out, and making Nana’s home such the festive spot that I remember when I was young. It was a good evening, even if we got home late and Alexander had school the next day. Some things are worth the time. Moments to treasure are always worth the time. Merry Christmas, Nana! Thanks for sharing your Christmas deco with our crazy crew!