The year is 1964.
A bright-eyed toddler soaks up all the sights and sounds of Christmas. Bright lights flicker and a tree sparkles with all the trappings of Santa’s run.
A bright red fire engine; a cuddly teddy bear; a whimsical dog.
Proud, doting parents step back to admire baby’s first real Christmas. The yuletide season is warmth with love. Santa has done well.
The year is 1970.
A young boy, bursting with energy, entertains his baby sister.
Taking a break from his new role as big brother, he goes tearing down the hall in his sock feet; playing the sliding game he has enjoyed so often along the parquet hardwoods that embellish his home.
This episode of the game is different. This time, he loses his balance. He slides head-first under his parents’ bed. He slides head-first into a boy’s dream – a pile of presents-to-be.
Wide-eyed amazement becomes realization.
The year is 1984.
A young man sits by the phone. He wonders if he should make the call.
He’s not sure he should. Does she like him? Does he like her? Is it worth a call to find out?
He calls. She’s not home. Off to a family gathering.
She returns the call a few days later.
The year is 1986.
She returned his call, all right. Now they spend their first Christmas together. As newlyweds.
The year is 1991.
The newlyweds are now young marrieds. And a little one is on the way. As they sit and stare at the tree, they wait and wonder. Life will change. It will be wonderful and tiring at the same time.
The year is 2002.
A home is on the market. It sells. Another is on the market. It sells, too. Within a week, the family of four will move. They enjoy one last holiday season at the former home. The next year, they enjoy the first at the place they will call home for many years.
The year is 2014.
Grown-up kids are home from college. The house is full of laughter. Chopping and cooking in the kitchen; music from the family room. Presents are under the tree.
The boy from 1964 gazes into the tree and feels the emotion of Christmases past and the wonder of many to come. There is light and there is warmth and amazement to come.
Christmas is an annual miracle that has returned to envelop us all once again.
JG
Originally posted 12/24/2014
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