My favorite Christmas present

I am about to get all sappy here, so for those who would rather not partake in it, consider this a warning.

As you all probably know, my children are spoiled rotten. They have been blessed with four grandparents, two uncles, an aunt, and a GREAT grandma to bestow riches upon them at every holiday. They have every single toy imaginable for boys ages 2-5, and a jampacked toy room to prove it. Jake and I joke that we have gotten them about two toys each during their lives, because everyone else buys them stuff. I realize that this is not their fault, and it is only because they are loved very much and people just want to make them happy. But, as a parent, it is important for us to make sure they are thankful and grateful for what they have.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am a fan of the magic of Christmas. But, I also know that part of the magic is really less about the actual gift and more about the anticipation, surprise, and joy. Etc. Etc. And, a lesson I have learned as I was growing up was that it is not about the gift, but more about the thought. When I finally got old enough to pick out and purchase gifts for my parents, I always became stumped on what to get for them. Whenever I asked my dad, he would always tell me that his favorite gift was the popsicle frame with my picture in it from first grade. How do you top that!? Let me tell you, I am never going to be that cute again.

I digress. So, this year when Baba and Rob (my parents) arrived to our house to celebrate Christmas, the normal whirlwind ensued. They came with loads of bags – gifts, wine, food. Our kids were dying to open just one thing – seeing all of the presents wrapped were causing them to hyperventilate and convulse. So, Baba told them they could open one thing. They opened up the package and found it to be “A Charlie Brown Christmas” book. But, this book was special, it was read by Baba and Rob.

Sam dug right into the book, and as soon as he heard their voices he started repeating, “That’s Baba! That’s Rob! That’s Baba! That’s Rob!” My parents sort of laughed and rolled their eyes at hearing their voices reading dialogue for Charlie Brown and Lucy. The book got about 10 minutes of play, and then the boys were onto something else. Charlie Brown got put up on a shelf and left their awhile. Forgotten about since Christmas.

But, this weekend, Sam pulled the book out and placed it on his lap. He opened it up and patiently waited for the music to start, and let Baba and Rob take him through the story, page for page. I listened and watched. I pictured my parents sitting down and recording their voices. I imagined that there was some bickering involved when they had to decide who would read what. I am sure there were some outtakes. I am sure they spent some time making it just right for those boys. What a gift it is for them to always have their Baba and Rob there to read them a story. What a gift for me. 

Sam took the book in the car, too.

I know that it will be a few years before they understand the message from "A Charlie Brown Christmas," and maybe even a few more years after that until they understand the gift of having it read to them by Baba and Rob. One day that will be one of their favorite presents, too. 

(Phew. That was rough. Back to your regularly scheduled blogging tomorrow.)