Today I was out on a mission of madness and magic trying to find, hoping against hope, that something I didn’t get at the GW Boutique last night was still there.
Actually a couple of things. Thought about them overnight and realized they were all good choices.
One was a Target return bamboo throw in the loveliest of off white shades. (My Great Aunt who lived in, as Daddy would tease, “one of the finest homes in that there Eastman, Georgia” would have approved–it was just that elegant.) Why I didn’t grab it last night, I cannot say. I offer as my only excuse that perhaps I was overwhelmed with the cart full of treasures hidden from this one and that one, and that I just wasn’t thinking straight by that point.
Figured out today it was at least a $75 throw. I think they were asking 5 or 6.
Let’s all gnash our teeth together, shall we?
Ah well.
It’s not like there’s a blanket or throw shortage in this house or anything.
*sniff*
But I did find a couple of really awesome treasures otherwise, so it was still a successful trip. One thing is going to make the Fella laugh on Christmas morning, I’m pretty sure. (and that’s all I’m saying since he does venture over this way every now and then)
On the way to the GW, as I was by myself in the vehicle and could listen to anything I wanted to, I had the radio on a classic Christmas station. About halfway there a song started playing, and when I realized who was singing, I could scarce believe my ears.
Cary Grant.
Cary Grant?
Yes.
Wow.
It is called “Christmas Lullaby” and in the song he is speak-singing to his baby girl who is already asleep. He tells her how much he looks forward to Christmas morning and seeing her joy. And all of the magic.
And as I teared up–CARY GRANT, Y’ALL!–I thought about all the years of lying in wait in my twin bed at Blackberry Flats and in the double bed in the house on Boy Scout Road before that–waiting for the magic of Christmas morning. I could hardly wait. I remember late one Christmas Eve sitting up in the bed, talking to the air, hoping Santa could hear my last minute wishes.
There is a Santa and the magic is real, because I was not disappointed.
And now that I’m “grown up,” just as Mr. Grant did on Christmas Eve, when I do get to bed (I’m all about the staging y’all–it’s a production such that I have elves quitting on me who just can’t stay up that late), I find myself lying in wait for the magic all over again.
And it really doesn’t feel that different.
Well, maybe I’m a little more tired than I was when I was young. Maybe I fall asleep a wee bit quicker.
But for the most part, I find myself lying in wait with the giddiness and excitement of a child–a child waiting for Christmas morning.
The song was written by Peggy Lee for Mr. Grant. The sweet words that touched my heart this morning–
It’s Christmas Eve
and you are asleep, my little one
This is such a special night for you
and for me
For you, because you will awaken to a joyful morning
filled with wonderful surprises
and all the things our love can do to delight you
There’s a shiny Christmas tree
and a doll, a music box
and some toys
And for me, because I will watch your happiness
All this joy we will share because of the birthday
of the Christ child,
who taught us that in loving and giving
we find our own happiness
and that angels do watch over us
Angels bless you, little one
While you’re fast asleep
You’ll awake to dancing toys,
candy canes,
Christmas joys
And I pray your whole life through
angels will watch over you
loving you
the way I do
my little one, sleep well
Loving you the way I do
Oh my dear little one, sleep well
Merry Christmas
One day my children will learn that on Christmas Eve it’s not just the children who are lying in wait with excitement, and they will find the joy in creating magic for the children they love. All the time and energy put into making magic for the children–my own and those who are not–every minute is worth it. To share the delight that our love can do. The loving and giving do bring great happiness. Precious.
Just like Mr. Grant, I pray that angels will watch over my children their whole lives through, loving them the way I do.
But I’m not sure that’s possible. Because, even when they are being real stinkers, I find myself giving thanks (well not every time, I’m no saint) that they are here and are mine for a while. And loving them through it all.
And all that joy and delight and magic?
I’d best be getting my sleep now, because Christmas Eve is a time of lying in wait for all of us in this house. It’s so hard to sleep the closer it gets.
And it’s for the joy and anticipation that comes with lying in wait that I am most thankful.
We are so fortunate.
Wishing for you all to have someone to make joy and share delight with on Christmas morning and every day.
Love to all.
I Might Need A Nap 