Christmas Magic

Like most kids, Christmas was a magical day for me.  Then again, who wouldn’t like a time when you get presents?  I have one Christmas memory that stands out from all others.

In the house where I grew up, there is a basement directly under the living room.  We always set up the Christmas tree in the living room.  One year, my older brother and sister, and I decided to sleep in the basement on Christmas Eve.  It is pitch black when the lights off down there.  At some point during the night my siblings woke me from a deep sleep to say someone was upstairs.  Sure enough, I could hear someone walking around.  Somehow, the darkness seemed to heighten my sense of hearing.  I had left Santa some milk and cookies.  Then I heard the distinctive “click” noises of the cookie jar being opened and closed.  I said incredulously, “Santa’s getting into the cookie jar!”  I was thinking, “What a pig!  He wants more cookies!?!?”  We whispered excitedly to each other and after just a few more minutes, there was silence up above us.

We slowly crept upstairs.  The lights were still lit on the tree and they cast a beautiful glow in the living room.  Lo and behold there were presents waiting for us.  I was completely amazed at how Santa could do it all so quickly.  The Christmas magic was solidified in my soul that day and has stayed with me for many years.