A Letter from Danielle for December ’16
Hi Everyone,
Here we are in my favorite, favorite FAVORITE month: December. I truly know how difficult the holidays can be–with family stresses, financial strains, and just too much to do–but, I am just a corny person, and I love the Christmas holidays, and even some of the Chanukah traditions that I know. Holidays are often a magnifier of the good and bad things in our lives. I love the warmth and fun, the lights and songs, and decorating the tree. I love our family traditions–baking brownies for friends, going to Church together, eating dinner together on Christmas Eve, and again on Christmas Day. Christmas used to be a frenzy of wrapping gifts and assembling toys at 3am with 9 kids. But we have all come away with cherished memories, and still cling to our traditions. We used to give a big ice skating party for our friends and their children every year. We don’t do it anymore since everyone has grown up, and my kids and many of their friends have moved away.
Christmas brings out the child in us, the secret hope that Santa will turn up. We have always had a “Santa” who comes to our house on Christmas Eve, who makes his way around the table, and asks us all what we want (and believe it or not, I actually tell him every year!!!) There have been some funny moments in our Santa visits, like the year one of my daughters, about 5 then, walked away after sitting on Santa’s lap for a photo, and said “Yerghk! Santa smells like beer!” And another daughter who asked him for a sapphire necklace when she was 6. A very sophisticated group!!
In Paris, where I spend a lot of time, the city is all lit up, and it’s just beautiful during the holiday season. When my kids were small, we used to take them downtown to look at the store windows. And I have warm memories of my own childhood holidays.
And however challenging and stressful the holidays can be, I hope there are some things that you like about them that make them special for you–maybe traditions that you enjoy, or meeting up with old friends, or making new discoveries during the holidays.
In our heart of hearts, there is always a child tucked in there somewhere, who still believes that wishes can come true, miracles happen, and Santa will bring us exactly what we want and need. I hope that for all of you, and whatever your beliefs, or none at all, that these holdiays will be very, very special.
May all your wishes come true. Have wonderful holidays!!!
Love,
Danielle