Mid - December

As probably one of the most festive rimes of year gets in full swing , we here down south are enjoying a luxurious coat-free day. The blue of the sky amplified by the dark green of the tall pines drenched with the recent rain seems to have cleared the palette for the Christmas countdown.

The true meaning of Christmas momentarily aside, I will say that I will miss the figure/figment/concept/idea/genius that is Santa. This year, out of necessity, the presence (read threat) ofMr Claus has been at the forefront since mid-October. I thought we would ruin by starting so early. I thought by Thanksgiving we would be scrambling for new ideas. Turns out, there's really nothing better than a threat to pick up the phone and call the jolly man himself. Always wondering where I would really take that, so far just the meer mention of 'do I have to pick up the phone' and, well, let's just say Christmas miracles really do exist.

Trying to get with the program and create good, quality citizens we layed excuses aside and attended church last weekend. And, not only did we attend, but we sent Greta to the children's chapel and Clara to the nursery. Lo and behold, the experience was far from the near grueling past experiences before we sent children their seperate ways. While Clara was less than eager to be left, she pulled through without so much as a distant tear when we picked her up, and Greta came away with at least a recognition of what a church is. Phew. And Chris and I actually had a few minutes together without wiping, shushing, getting, holding, rubbing, hugging or doing anything for anyone else.
When I asked Greta what she learned, she said "God".
What about God, was intrigued.
"Just God.". She stated with closure. "I don't know what his name is."
It was all really cute as she continued on with 'who is his family' and adorably honest and thought provoking questions. But I have to tell you that there was a little bit of Laurel and Hardy's 'Who's on First' going on in the beginning as we went back and forth about God's name. ("It's God".
" I know but I don't know his name."
" His name is God"
"Whose name?"
" God".
" But I don't know his name"
Cue hair pulling and maniacal screaming within. I politely changed the conversation tom something a bit less...theological. "So, what do you want for Christmas?" Ahhhh, the true meaning of the season. I will be the first to let you know, attending church a scant handful of times a year does not arm you with the knowledge to discuss anything regarding the true meaning of anything with anyone over 2 and under 6.