Blessed are the Magic Makers

The card read "Dear Talia, Happy first Dutch Christmas! Love, Sinter Claus." The parcel was a cellophane wonder tied with red twine. It was sitting on our front porch waiting to be discovered VERY early this morning. Scott brought it in to me - he was on his way to work and I was enjoying a few last minutes of rest when he bounded in. Literally bounded. He was so delighted! The Spirit of Christmas had truly come down in our midst, a miracle on its own.

Sadly, he had to take his delight with him to the firehall. I think though, that he wanted us to open the present! Otherwise it would have stayed hidden, right? After breakfast, Talia opened her very first gift ever. Enjoy. (Sorry about the sideways-ness - I don't know how to flip the image in any of my editing software.)

The gift itself is so lovely. It's handmade and perfect. It whispers, "This niece is loved." She has been playing with it all morning so it also passes the 'will be used' test.

But the gift is secondary to the giving for us. Because more than a new toy was given this morning. This morning we received the gift of magic in our home. We received a new family tradition. We received the Spirit of Christmas. We received love from family in a way that felt like love from family. We received wonder, and a hint of the magic that is God with Us.

I have heard many debates, especially in our little Christian circles about the rights and wrongs of including Santa Claus in Christmas. For me, and for our house I think, Santa Claus (or Sinter Clause as the case may be) will be the truest part of magic and make-believe. What else is this season for, beyond hoping when hope might make us foolish and believing in the face of doubt?

On this, our first Dutch Christmas, we are thankful for the Magic Makers who started us out right. All of our love to them, wherever they are.