Christmas conversations overheard between my very contemplative six-year-old daughter and other family members.
Over a “Real” tree:
Lily – “You know this tree is fake, grandma.”
Grandma – “I know.”
Lily – “It’s not a real tree.”
Grandma – “I know.”
Lily – “Look…you can feel the branches and tell.”
Grandma – “I know, Lily.” Wandering where this is going.
Lily – “So then does that make it not really Christmas?”
Grandma – “Well, honey, Grandma is allergic to real trees. They make pretend trees for people who can’t have real trees.”
Lily – “Oh.” Muling this over in her head. “Well…it’s still a fake tree you know.”
Over the “true” meaning of Christmas:
I’m standing in the kitchen washing dishes when the end part of this argument catches my ear.
Lily – “No it’s not, Luc!”
Luc – whining, “Yes it is!”
Lily – “No, grownups don’t get presents.”
Luc – “Yes they do!” Very drawn out for emphasis…argument is escalating.
Lily – very matter-of-fact, “No, grownups realize the true meaning of Christmas. They know it’s really about the birth of Christ so that means they don’t get presents.”
Luc – “No, Christmas IS about presents.”
Over number of gifts:
Older cousin – “No, Santa will bring me whatever I want.”
Lily – “No, didn’t you hear? Santa is only bringing three presents to everyone this year.”
Cousin – “I have NO idea what you’re talking about.”
Lily – “He changed. He is only doing three presents this year. Like baby Jesus got three.”
Cousin – “Huh?”
Lily – “When you wake up on Christmas morning there will only be three presents under your tree.”
Cousin – “I don’t think so.”
Luckily, adults intercede to put kids jackets on. Lily is saved from the crashing disappointment of the Santa bubble being burst.
Amy, I love this portion of your website. It reminds me when Adam and Snoopy were young and I would overhear some of their conversations. I have to do some snowblowing now. I’ll be over to do your drive and sidewalk later today. God bless you, daughter. Pop!
You are a blessed man for doing our snowblowing…again!!! We love you so much. The kids can’t seem to get enough of you and grandma!