With my mother’s accident and my own recent  2 day/1 night hospital getaway, it hasn’t left a lot of time for Christmas shopping. I suddenly panicked. And that’s how I found myself at two Westchester malls this past Sunday afternoon. Two malls. Two parking garages. Obviously, it’s some kind of holiday miracle that I actually re-found my car both times.

My first thought: If this many people are out shopping, it better mean the economy is picking up.

My second thought: Maybe I could just find stuff in my house to give as presents.

But in the spirit of all things good and holy, I hung in there and elbowed my way to a few decent gifts. And then on the way home, I started getting bitter.

Because this whole Santa Claus thing is such scam. I schlep around looking for the perfect gifts for my children, wait in unbearable lines, navigate through maddening traffic and who gets all the credit for the plentiful bounty on Christmas morning?

That fat guy in the red suit sitting on his arse at the mall.

Damn him, clever clever Santa Claus.

I know. I know. My kids get to believe in the wonder and magic of Christmas which is pretty darn cool.

I still remember my own breathless excitement as a kid when I woke up on Christmas morning. I had no idea that my poor parents had been up to 3 am putting together some dollhouse with instructions in only German and Dutch.

Of course, around here, 3 year-old Summer is terrified at the idea of Santa Claus coming down our chimney on Christmas night. Apparently, she doesn’t find the whole “breaking and entering” thing very magical so I’ve absolutely promised her that I’ll meet St. Nick at the door and he’ll hand me the presents.

At least she’ll know I played a small part in the joy and wonder of Christmas.

mama bird notes:

My mother is making tremendous progress with her physical therapy at the hospital. She has stood up and even spent some time sitting in an easy chair. No small effort with all those broken bones. She could be moving to rehab in the next few days. When I spoke to her today, she said she felt grateful that she will eventually make a full recovery. Gratitude is no easy feat when one is in such extreme pain. Thank you to everyone who continues to pray, love and visit her. xo

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