Opening presents a little bit early this year

Opening Presents - Tender Moments

Because of our busy schedule for the next two days we decided that we would open Christmas presents, as a family, tonight.

(Okay, it was partly because of our schedule and partly because we couldn’t wait to open presents.  But that doesn’t sound very disciplined so I’m emphasizing the busy schedule explanation.)

While we were gathered around the tree happily tearing the wrapping paper from our gifts—enjoying the Christmas music and the magic of these wonderful memory-making moments—Jasper could tell there was a level of focused attention in the family that did not include him.  And that was not something he could tolerate.  So, he worked his way right into the center of the group and sat down in our midst sniffing, slobbering and chewing on wrapping paper with his tail wagging.

(By the way, in case it’s not obvious to everyone, Jasper is a dog.  Although, I have been known to sniff, slobber and chew on wrapping paper on a few occasions, too.  But let’s leave the concerns that issue raises for another time.)

We didn’t realize it until Jasper made his move but that was exactly what we needed.  That tender moment was when our joyous family Christmas experience became something special.

…Well, that tender moment along with lots of cool presents made the Christmas experience something special, according to Rachel.

The Christmas Presents Call

If there’s a wrapped present in the house the mystery of “what-could-it-be?” is more than Rachel can withstand.  The present calls, it teases, it beckons Rachel.  She tries to go about her business and think of other things but the present whispers, sparkles and winks. 

I can’t hear it.  You wouldn’t be able to hear it either.  But it’s tuned to a frequency that Rachel can hear and it says, “Wouldn’t you love to know…?  Open me and you can find out.”

Ultimately, it’s too much.  She’s only human, after all.  The wrapping paper is torn and the present is revealed.

If only the thrill of the present itself could match the thrill of the anticipation.

Opening Presents Early

Because of our busy schedules over the next few days right up to Christmas Eve and Christmas day, my family enjoyed a lovely dinner tonight and then gathered together and opened our Christmas presents.  It was a warm, caring, special time that included two large dogs loudly chewing on bones.   (You know that loud chewing enhances almost any experience, don’t you?)

You might be saying, “Wait a minute, Dan!  How is it possible that you’ve opened up presents already?  Does Santa come to your house earlier than everyone else’s home?”

The answer is, “Not usually.”

But this year I negotiated a special deal with Santa for an early delivery.  He does this on occasion with certain people; if “you punks will grease the wheels.”  (That’s his phrase and it reveals a side of Santa that people don’t typically see.)

Now, the presents are opened and we’re sitting back and enjoying this wonderful family time together….  Which means that we’re each in separate rooms with electronic devices and I’m typing strange thoughts to post online for my amusement.

And… hopefully… for your amusement, too.