I really dig certain Christmas traditions.

Like as a kid, I can still remember taking the Metro North train into the city with my mom and sister to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

Because in a life that could be somewhat unpredictable, there was always something very comforting about that ornate, old familiar music hall and those reliable, power-kicking Rockettes.

So I really wanted to take my 4 year-old this year. I just knew she would be dazzled by the entire experience.

“Hey Dylan, do you want to go see a show with Santa Claus?” I asked. My voice emanating holiday glee.

“No,” she responded, her voice much less gleeful.

“Oh. Well, there will be dancers too! And they all dance in this really straight line and kick their legs so high, you won’t believe it. Doesn’t that sound so cool? You love dancing. Do you want to go?”

“No.”

“But remember last year, you loved that show with Elmo and everyone else from Sesame Street.”

“I’ll go to a show with Elmo.”

“But Dylan, this show doesn’t have Elmo but it’s going to be just as great. Umm…. I guess I could just take your sister instead.”

“Yeah, take Summer.”

What?! Oh crap. That totally backfired.

Ok. Must think of new strategy to force my kid to go to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular so she can be DAZZLED.

A couple days later, I hesitantly tell Dylan I’m picking her up early at school so we can run some errands together. She is thrilled that we are taking the subway and doesn’t inquire further.

As we arrive at Radio City Music Hall, surrounded by mobs of tourists, she finally asks, “Where are we?”

“Oh, honey, we are just running some errands. Mommy needs to check this out real quick. Here, have a $10 bag of cotton candy. Do you want a bucket of popcorn too?”

That shut Miss Curious up in a hurry.

So we sit down.

And the lights dim and the orchestra starts playing.

And she is mesmerized.

Impressive dance numbers starring the Rockettes. A flying Santa. Fake snow falling from the majestic theater ceiling. Even 3D effects. Man, they really souped up this show.

And the ending – Oh my gosh. The ending! Oh wait. We missed that. Dylan got tired and wanted to check out this new car on display in the lobby.

dylan-and-car

And then she said to me,

“Mom, this car smells a lot better than our car.”

Oh, honey, that’s the magic of the holidays.

mama bird notes

On a sadder note…. My friend Rachel just wrote to me about a 12 year-old boy named Lucas Goldbaum. He has an inoperable brain tumor and his mother is trying to raise money for a very expensive, experimental vaccine that looks like Lucas’ only hope. She is trying to raise $250,000 by December 31st. Any donations are appreciated.  Even a few dollars.

Make your check payable to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. In the check notation, please write, “In honor of Lucas Goldbaum. Mail to KC Miller, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Suite 2416, LA, CA, 90048.

For more information on Lucas Goldbaum and this fundraising effort, email me at kelcey@mamabirddiaries.com.

And a quick reminder… I’m giving away two $30 gift cards to The Children’s Place. Just leave a comment on the mama bird diaries this week and you are entered. Just mention your  desire for one of these gift cards so I know you are interested in the giveaway. Good luck birdies!

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