We enjoyed strolling through the mall together holding hands while we picked up some pre-ordered gifts at JC Penneys. I don't like malls at all and make it a habit to stay far away, so we didn't linger long here.....just long enough to pick up our items and make one detour to enjoy the smells at Bath and Body Works.
Dinner was a delight as we laughed and talked about the details of our day. I recounted stories of my afternoon spent playing with Joseph and making him balloon animals at home. We turned balloons into silly hats and floppy monsters, then chased each other around the house in a colossal game of tag before ending in tickle wars. Nathan recounted his projects at work and his lunch outing with a friend. I love hearing these little details and sharing joy with him over the little blessings or successes from the day.
Instead of ordering dessert in the restaurant, we like to pick up a treat from the grocery store on our way home. Lucky for us, our store was holding a sale on Ben and Jerry's ice cream. We snagged a pint and smuggled it past the children (well, I should say child. Only one was still awake enjoying their movie night. The rest were sleeping soundly wrapped in blankets on the tile floor. I'll never understand how they can sleep on a tile floor....)
Saturday I was up and away bright and early, heading to a Destination Imagination workshop. I was volunteering for 10 hours as an appraiser to help teams learn how to improve their Instant Challenge skills. What a fun day immersed in creative problem-solving!
While I was away, Nathan took the two littlest boys to the school Christmas Party. He had been asked to perform with Dickens-era carolers.
Saturday evening we all headed to the church building for our ward Christmas Party. The dinner was delicious and the program was well-written and spiritual to focus on our Savior's birth. Nathan had been asked to be the Santa Claus, which is a pretty tall order for him. He's rather an introvert who would prefer not to talk to people in group settings. Crowds make him nervous. Now he was asked to perform (and he's never been in a theatrical performance) in a stifling and uncomfortable suit, wearing a smelly beard that tickled his face nonstop. I was worried for him. I was blown away by how well he got into character and really connected with each kid as if they were his only concern in the world. He would call most of them by name and exclaim over how much they had grown or how much he missed them from last year. The kids were just beaming with the individual attention they received. He was so enthusiastic and his laugh was so authentic. The children were delighted and their eyes lit of with excitement.Some did a little dance of anticipation while they waited for their turn with Santa.
Oh what a treat it was to be Santa's helper that night and watch each child's interaction with him. It was so interesting to listen to each child's request. Some asked for simple things: a new leotard for gymnastics, a new sketch book, or just a candy cane. Some kids had a long list of wishful thinking. I loved the way Nathan would lean in and ask them what they were giving someone else for Christmas. The kids would pause in surprise, think about it, and mention ideas. Then Nathan would laugh heartily, pat them on the back, and say, "Thank you for helping me keep the Spirit of Christmas alive!" I loved it! The suit was so hot, and I could tell he was very uncomfortable, but he kept up his cheerful enthusiasm for each child until the long line was done.
This was Joseph's first year meeting a Santa Claus. What a special treat it was to have his first Santa be his own Dad. Check out his delight! What did he ask for this year? A candy cane.
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