Christmas Joy

Charlie (2) is so excited about Christmas and his enthusiasm is catching. We haven't put up our tree yet, but wherever we go, the YMCA, Walmart, the library, he runs to the Christmas Tree displayed hollering, "Mismus Tee, mismus tee!" Don't get between him and tinsel, ornaments, or lights, I'm warning you now. He touched the lights yesterday at the YMCA, "ot, Mama, ot." "Yes, Charlie, they are hot." Mary then reached to touch. "No, Ary, ot!" It's all so new for him and makes us all smile and removes all possible wearyness about preparations for the holiday. Even the molded chocolate image of a Christmas Tree under the flap on his Advent Calender made him burst out in excitement at finding yet another decorated tree.

Will lights the Advent wreath at dinner after we say grace each evening. Charlie's eyes get huge, "ire, ire!!" At first I thought he was frightened by the flame, but soon figured out that he wanted them all lit.

We started playing Christmas music a few days ago so Charlie likes to lie on his tummy in front of the speaker listening. When one song ends and the random shuffle is randomly shuffling he begins to despair, "uhhhh, no usic!" I can't tell you how many times I have had to say, "It's okay Charlie, the music will start...," as I hear the strains begin, "...now."

I am a little wary of what is going to happen when we bring our own tree home and then Tim puts the Lionel train around the tree. Charlie is going to generate so much friction racing around that he may just spontaneously combust.