Manic Monday: Tradition

In the tradition of children everywhere, there comes a time when satisfying curiosity's call is more rewarding than revelation after a lengthy anticipation. Some learn from the first incident and favor anticipation in the future. Some continue to seek instant gratification.

When I was 8 years old, my sister and I couldn't wait for the rest of the family on Christmas morning. We sneaked out and by the light of the tree, peeked at our gifts. Santa had given us both a beautiful jewelry box containing a necklace bearing our own birthstones. We quickly and quietly made our way back to bed and joined the rest of the family in the living room at the prearranged time. Unfortunately, in my excitement, I happily exclaimed my joy over the necklace before I opened the box with the family. I was one of those who decided that from then on out, I would choose anticipation; sitting and talking in the bedroom wondering at our new gifts was just more fun. (Also, I felt awful that I had ruined the surprise for my parents.)

As far as I know, my children have been curious, but haven't tried to peek...until now.

Alex has always been calmer and more patient. He enjoys the excitement, the gradual build up. The 'not knowing' makes it more exciting when it finally comes. He occupies himself with other thoughts and interests. However, he has a way of "coming across" information very easily.

Aimee is a seeker. Although she is getting better at impulse control, curiosity still gets the better of her on occasion. After her satisfaction, her conscience is restless, so we are usually in on the secret.

At Christmas, their inquisitive minds warrant a little extra care on our part. In a more careless moment this year, Aimee saw something she shouldn't have, and she just "happened" to add the item to her Christmas list. Usually, hiding is the hard part, as our lists are rarely found by our children because of a tradition of mine.

Our holiday tradition is the Christmas gift plan, written in code. The code changes from year to year and at times, it is indecipherable even to the writer, me. Our code was tricky enough this year that our surprises weren't compromised until Christmas morning (I'm pretty sure they peeked.)

Here's our code...let me know what you can figure out.





Manic Monday posts can be found every Monday at Mo's.

Manic Monday: Candle

On Christmas Eve, one of our traditions is to turn off all the lights in the house; using only the Christmas tree lights and our Christmas candles, we sit around the tree and read the story of the first Christmas and sing Christmas carols. There is something truly peaceful and calm about the soft light from a candle that quietly ushers in the spirit of Christmas love.

Original Christmas countdown candle photo, courtesy of Martin Geisler.

More 'candle' posts at Manic Monday.