Jet and I filled the Christmas season with decorating, crafts, shopping, wrapping, parties and family gatherings. We enjoyed every minute of it because, as it turns out, Jet loves Christmas just as much as her Grandma! “I think you finally got the kid you always wanted,” Jet’s mother said. We had so much fun that any thought of blogging simply evaporated.
Jet had not forgotten about her own little tree from they year before and couldn’t wait to decorate it again. She strung red beads to make a garland. She hung more than three-dozen ornaments. She cut strips of green, blue and white paper and used her glue stick to make a paper chain (taller than Papa!) She even helped add ornaments to the big tree in the living room.
Throughout the month she worked diligently on homemade Christmas gifts for her parents and grandparents and Aunt. I glued Popsicle sticks in the shape of a star and Jet wrapped it with embroidery floss (a skill that is harder than it seems). When they were finished, she wrapped them with minimal help and placed them carefully under the tree. On Christmas Eve, she put on the traditional Santa Hat and cheerfully distributed presents to everyone. The first to be opened were, of course, the ones she had made herself!
For weeks Jet had eagerly anticipated the family party when Santa would make an appearance. “I’m gonna see Santa! I’m gonna sit on his lap!” When he walked in the room, however, she moved to stand behind me with lightening speed. In the end, Grandma stood next to Santa holding Jet at a safe distance. In contrast, at her first ballet recital earlier in the same day, she seemed fearless and walked out to an unplanned solo appearance on stage before being joined by the rest of the class.
While shopping at the mall, Jet saw Santa again, walking towards us. “It’s SANTA! It’s SANTA! What is he doing here?” Santa was on his way to the photography booth, but he stopped to say hello to the little girl bouncing up and down and pointing at him. Jet froze. She looked up at him but couldn’t speak. Santa went on. Later, we passed the booth and she wanted to see him again. “I don’t want to touch him Grandma, just look, okay?” We stood outside the fenced area and I held her up.
Santa recognized her. “You can come in here if you want.” Jet shook her head. “It’s okay, you don’t have to talk to me, but you can pick out a present.” Jet approached cautiously and Santa pointed to the basket of small stuffed toys. She grabbed one and headed for the exit as fast as her legs could carry her.
When we were safely away Jet looked at her toy. “I like Santa.”
“That’s nice.”
“Next time I might sit on his lap.”