Wonder and Awe of Christmas

Tonight we had our school Christmas Concert. I love this time of year when we can celebrate the real reason of the season. Our school really goes all out to put together an amazing Christmas Concert. After the Kindergarten classes performed, the Grades 1-4 did their play and then the Grades 5-6 put on a separate production. In the past the Grade 1-6 have all been part of one production and we kept the show to an hour. This year with the grades being split differently, it was a late night. Jaret was up front for the choral speaking but then in order for all the kids to be seen, they changed spots and Jaret was in the second row for the songs. The clip of the choral speaking is brief but I have posted it here. And true to who Jaret is, he is looking very serious on stage. He really isn't one who likes attention drawn to him, especially not from a large audience and with such bright lights on him. And Mom, I only got one picture of Kirra in the dress you bought her and it doesn't do it justice but she loved the dress. She called it her princess dress. I think we will have to dress up for New Year's just so she can wear that dress again.
Earlier in December, I took the kids to Market Mall for our annual Santa visit. Kirra had been talking lots about sitting on Santa's lap so I was hoping that she was prepared and we would get a picture of her with Santa this year. We arrived at 1:30 and were told that they were not taking any more names to see Santa until 3:30. In the end, I checked back again and was told the same thing only to later find out from someone else in line that they were not giving everyone the same information. But, the kids got to sit on Santa's lap and enjoy a conversation with him. Jaret told Santa he had been a good boy and was helpful with his sister. He asked for Star Wars Lego. Kirra thought her request would be easy enough, as she wanted a candy cane and a baby. When I tried clarifying that she wanted a baby doll, she said, "No Mommy, I want a baby like that one!" and she pointed to the baby that just sat on Santa's lap. Needless to say, through much conversation afterwards, I convinced her that getting just a baby doll would have to be sufficient as there would be no baby sister or brother for her.
While visiting Santa, it was cute to see the look of wonder in Kirra's eyes as she stared at Santa. She did smile a few times and enjoyed sitting on his lap but the photographer was not quick enough to get the picture. Jaret seemed quite taken by Santa as well and I just love the thought of them believing in the joy, goodness, and kindness of this man named St. Nick. Of course, Jaret knows that Santa isn't real and that he simply helps Mom and Dad and Grandmas and Grandpas to pick out the right gifts for Christmas. But, he plays along well for Kirra's sake.