“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air” - W.T Ellis.
The sounds of laughter, rejoice, and praise fills the old farmhouse as tonight is Christmas Eve, the most magical evening of all. Family members gather in the kitchen, holding hands as they bow their heads to say grace. Their hearts are full, and minds untroubled.
They feast on ham, rolls, potatoes, and desserts of all assortments. Christmas music finds its way through each and every room, accompanied by the magic in the air. With bright eyes, the children stare out the old farmhouse windows hoping that a bright red light will signify Santa is near. They listen carefully and closely for the sound of jingle bells ringing in the dark December night.
As the evening carries on, the children grow dreary. Their eyes become heavy and soon close with ease. Images of presents and new toys dance in their heads. They have yet to fully grasp that Christmas isn’t all about gifts and toys. It’s about family and spending time with those dearest to you. It’s about the sense of fullness in your heart that you feel seeing the joy on others' faces. They will come to understand it one day, but for now, the concept is a little too mature to grasp fully.
On the morning of Christmas, the glistening white flurries aren’t the only thing stirring about. The children awaken from their slumber with brighter eyes than the evening before. Heading down the staircase, they keep it to a whisper, for it is not quite time yet to begin the day full of festivities. They are overtaken by presents of all colors, shapes, and sizes. In the corner lay a bike, a train set, and a doll house. They scan the room for what presents are theirs.
Without hesitation, they tear into each and every one of their gifts without the smile ever leaving their face. Toys and goodies overflow the small, decorated living room. For soon as the upcoming year grows on, they will forget about these toys. Instead, they will look forward to next Christmas and what they may receive. One thing they will never outgrow, however, is the feeling of the magic in the air. The way that smiling somehow seems easier. The joy in knowing Santa will be back next year. For they do say, only believers can hear the ring of a sleigh bell.