I feel it only fair to recount some more post-Christmas experiences.
Personally, I discovered that while it’s better to give than to receive (a lesson sometimes forced on you by circumstance) that it’s even more rewarding to watch a child open Christmas presents.
Mind you, on the Eve of Christmas, my brother and law and I were in the attic above his daughter’s room, stomping on her ceiling, yelling Ho Ho Ho and ringing bells. Meanwhile downstairs Santa was adding to the booty.
Madison, when questioned the next morning, stated she heard nothing which disturbed her from her sugar plumb dreams. It’s statements like this which make me wonder I’m instructed to “pee as silently as possible” in the middle of the night, or why the television’s volume is set to negative four. Anyhow, I’m sure there’s good reason, but on with the story.
Somewhere under the pile of presents the tip of a nine foot Christmas tree was trying to peek out. Madison kept walking past the presents, and it was unclear to us if she knew what to do with them. However, once mom dropped the green flag, she turned into a child sized woodchipper.
Quite the expert at unwrapping, not only was she able to unwrap her presents, but those she delivered to us, and a few that weren’t. Admittedly, none of us seemed to mind.
Slowly, but surely, the west wall of the house became obscured, and in it’s place a toy department looked like it was starting to open. Eventually the sight became so overwhelming that Madison just got a dazed look on her face. Could it be that she was truly probing the depths of infinity by exploring the pile surrounding the tree?
I have to say, I took more joy in watching her go through her stuff than I did with my own gifts. Her face brightened with wonder and amazement at each pulled ribbon or torn box.
Finally, when all was said and done, we went to eat. However, Connie pulled me aside to witness something amazing. There, in the living room, with brand new wonders all solely for her enjoyment and pleasure, Madison sat instead at the candy jar. Not eating the little Hershey kisses, but playing with each foiled kiss as if it were a doll.
Funny how that 5.1 Dolby Stereo and wide screen digital TV was so close in our grasps, if only we all had the sense to buy a $1.79 bag of chocolate instead of huge hunks of plastic labeled Playskool.