by M.M. Roethig
It’s here! Can you feel it? The smell of crisp frosty air in
the morning, cozy sweaters, fuzzy socks, hot chocolate, and fires aglow in the
fireplace. Winter has finally arrived, and with it, my favorite holiday. I love
the snow-blanketed ground sparkling in the soft glow of the sun, white covered
trees, and twinkling Christmas lights breaking through the night sky. There’s
something enchanting about Hallmark holiday shows, snuggling under a blanket on
the couch, or listening to Christmas music.
There’s no denying, this time of year is truly magical.
In honor of the third day of Christmas, the day we remember the first gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh given to the Christ child, I’d
like to share with you my three most magical Christmas memories.
I
was an Air Force brat living on many different bases in various states. While
living in Alaska, I became very sick the week of Christmas. On Christmas Eve, I
went to bed to the sounds of Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer in the background and great anticipation in my heart. When I woke Christmas morning, I was unable to see. I tried to open my
eyes, but they wouldn't budge no matter how hard I fought. In panic, I scrambled
from my bed and plastered myself to the wall, using it to guide me toward the
noises below. I called out, but the bustle of Christmas morning was loud and my
voice drown in the sounds of laughter and joy. I called again as I stumbled
down the first step when I heard the voices of my parents. It was then I learned
my eyes had crusted shut during the night.
With
a warm washcloth and some gentle words, I felt at peace as my eyes slowly eased
open. What I saw was amazing. The silhouettes of two angels
against the background of twinkling lights hovered over me. In my five-year-old
mind, I knew I’d seen heavenly beings helping me through a terrifying moment. 
I
closed my eyes one last time, and when they finally opened and my vision cleared, the angels were
gone, replaced with my parents. Years later, I realized those heavenly angels
and my parents were one in the same, always watching over me. The image of my
parents haloed in bright Christmas lights has stayed with me forever.
My next magical moment came after I was married with children. Our big gift was a surprise trip to Disneyland, leaving the day of Christmas.
Can you say excitement? Ages fourteen, thirteen, and seven, we packed out car
and headed out for the Magical Kingdom with three other families. The ride was
brutal, but we had a wonderful time reading, laughing, singing, and preparing
for the fun week ahead. The fun was short lived.
Shortly
after arriving, my seven-year-old son came down with strep throat, allowing us
the full tour of California as we found our way to the emergency room.The
following day, after his medicine kicked in, he was confident he would enjoy Disneyland with the family. Within an hour, he was crying as I carried
him down main street as he chanted, “I hate this place!” My son hated the ‘happiest
place on earth’. Additionally, my fourteen-year-old daughter’s knee swelled
like a balloon and she enjoyed the park from the confines of a wheel-chair.
Why
does this adventure stand out? We made many memories that Christmas and to this day,
my children remember every detail of our trip. When we lost most of our
pictures in a computer crash, the memories were all we had. For all of the
mishaps, the memories outweighed even the hardest moments. Isn't that
was magic is all about?
Lastly, I need to share with you the Christmas after my father died. It was a sudden death, one
that no one saw coming. My father went fishing, something he did a thousand times a
year, and drown while trying to recover his boat after it blew into the water
without him.
That
Christmas was extremely hard, not having my father there. My mother, in her
loving wisdom, made each child a rag-time quilt with patches of my father’s flannel
shirts. She spent many hours on each quilt so we could have a physical reminder of him always. Words cannot express
how I felt that moment I held that quilt
in my hands.
Christmas
time is full of special moments for all of us, little sprinkles of happiness
that bring a touch of magic to our lives, if but for a moment. This Christmas
season as we find ourselves in the chaos of the holidays, I pray that each of
you are able to experience some Sprinkles of Christmas Magic that you will remember
for years to come.
Happy
Holiday’s, Merry Christmas, and God Bless!
M.M.
Roethig
Enter my Christmas giveaway for some cute homemade ornaments.
