Back then, I waited on pins and needles. Not “tenterhooks”.

I’d never heard of such a word.

When I was a youngster, the big stress of Christmas was waiting.

Waiting to put up the tree.

Waiting to to see the traditional lighted candy canes line the neighborhood streets.

Waiting on Christmas Eve to spot Santa in the sky as my sister pointed.

Waiting to get home from Christmas Eve services to open presents.

Back then, the magic simply happened.

Beginning around 3 or 4 decades ago, it was I who became the magician, the puppeteer, the puller of strings to recreate a tradition.

Today, the magic for me is seeing the joy, the excitement and the sparkle of light in my grandchildren’s eyes as they witness the marvel of Christmas as it “simply” happens.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the inspirational news article written in 1897, please read, Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

photo credit

via Tenterhooks