I love Yule. It is perhaps one of my favorite holidays.My fondness began about ten years ago when Robinson and I were newlyweds. We wanted to blend Christmas and Yule traditions (a la Chrismukka), so we burned a Yule log (before we sawed the bottom of the Christmas tree it was christened the "Holiday 2x4"), created ornaments celebrating the most important events of the year, and made "Yule wishes" for the next year. We also celebrated by eating two large, festive meals and opening presents.
Due to this massive celebration, Yule and Christmas became important means of closing out the year. It's fun to reflect on all of the interesting things that happened to us over the course of a year. We aren't so good at celebrating other holidays (except for Halloween), but I love our traditions.When Robinson and I had Arthur, we decided not to indulge in the Santa myth. We felt so strongly about it, that I even told my mother (who at one time had a collection of Christmas-themed sweatshirts that would have made Santa himself envious) to not send presents that were addressed "To: Arthur, From: Santa".
This year is the first year that Arthur really realized that there was a guy named Santa and that this guy brought GIFTS to good kids! The funny thing is, though, he never seemed particularly interested in learning more about Santa, never asked us about him, even though fist fights were breaking out in preschool over whether or not there was, in fact, a Santa.
Even when asked if Santa brought him gifts, he answered "No," directly and forcefully and then went on and on about getting lots of gifts from family. It took a few people aback. Even after that, he didn't ask about Santa. Had he asked us, we would have answered truthfully. We don't want to purposefully lie to our children and we've already had to deal with some difficult issues (such as Oldma's death). Arthur's favorite present by far was his new shovel from Great-Grandma Trask. I hope this boy is as passionate about shoveling snow when he's 15 as he is now. The Legos from his Auntie Blythe were a close second. Balin loved the Clifford books from his Auntie Becky and his Great-Aunt Gloria. When he unwrapped them, he sat in my lap and demanded to read them!
It was a lovely holiday. We were thankful for all of the lovely gifts that our families and friends had gotten us.
Blessed be.
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