BLOGMAS #5: BEST CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE EVER
Christmas is the time of memories. How in the name of all things holiday am I supposed to pick the absolute best experience ever? And what constitutes a Christmas experience, anyway? Since the answers elude me this morning, I'll list a few that come to mind:
1. McKinney Tree Lighting, 2016
This year, we took all the kids to downtown McKinney for the annual tree lighting. Joining us were Mallerie's mom and my mom, as well as one of Mallerie's sisters. All told, the event was a resounding success. The kids spent almost half an hour in the petting zoo, absolutely enthralled with the baby pigs, llamas and Shetland ponies. We split up for a bit, with two kids riding the carousel while the other two met Ms. Claus. And when hunger struck, we popped a squat on a curb and ate foot-long corn dogs, polished off with cinnamon sugar doughnut holes covered in strawberries and whipped cream. Finally, the carols broke out, the twins clambered into the arms of grandmas, and everybody stood in awe as the enormous tree erupted in light. We'll have a tough time topping this one any time soon!
2. ICE! Frosty the Snowman, 2014
Generally speaking, I'm not fond of crazy expensive holiday events because they usually don't last very long and, frankly, I don't have a lot of disposable income for things that don't have a lingering impact. However, my mom pitched the idea of taking the twins to ICE! a couple years ago. It was our first Christmas since my ex-wife had moved out, and the potential for a bit of joy was welcome. We bundled up the girls, who were just over a year old, and headed off to the largest ice sculpture exhibit in Texas. The theme for the year was "Frosty the Snowman," so each of the sculptures represented a scene from the classic television special. Before we entered the room, we got to learn how the sculptures were created, which was absolutely fascinating. Next, we were ushered into a holding room where we dawned parkas. Finally, we were let inside the exhibit. The girls were too small to walk for very long, but that didn't stop them from having a wonderful time. Despite the cost, it was a beautiful moment of bonding in an otherwise challenging holiday season.
3. Balloons in the Living Room, 2015
In comparison to the memories above, this one was relatively simple. We were in the living room on Christmas night. The twins, AJ and N were all running around, crazed and swinging balloons at each other. The space was filled with them. I was hovering dangerously close to a panic attack from all the noise and motion, but beneath that frenzy was a realization: before me was the beginning of a long, beautiful life with my forever date. Our family was, for the first time, creating Christmas memories together. Most of the pregnancy had been difficult, but watching our kids play in that living room put every fear at ease. Sure, all those kids would mean many anxiety-ridden afternoons, but oh, the laughter. Nothing is so wonderful, and so healing, as the full-bellied laughter of children lost in their joy. This moment may have been simple, but it's one I will cherish forever.
