We started singing Christmas songs in September. Although it still felt like summer outside, we harmonized carols and choreographed ice skating scenes. So that by the time we performed the Christmas show in December we were well practiced and ready. And it was magical.
Whenever I hear certain Christmas songs they will forever remind me of Encore (an annual variety show of singing and dancing) 1994 at Eagan High School. “The Christmas Waltz” with ice skates over my shoulder, “Holly Jolly Christmas” country-style, and girls in shiny, (scratchy) metallic fabric dresses that my mom helped sew for the finale. Anyone who’s been part of a show knows you become a little community in the last few weeks during performances, and the Christmas theme just added to the uniqueness.
It seems like another world now- sneaking off set with friends in between performances to drive around and load up on Mountain Dew at the gas station (even though we weren’t allowed off campus). And while I look back on this with fond nostalgia-tinted glasses, I’m sure that under all those bleach blonde curls was an angst-filled sixteen year old complaining about her parents rules and lamenting over the high school boyfriend break up. But I can look back on it now as happy.
Through my trauma research I’m reminded that not everyone has holiday happy to recall. Those from tough places have memories tinted in loss and fear, insecurity and disappointment. And while we can’t control the past, we are all in charge of the future. Sometimes it strikes me how susceptible the little ones around us are. We create the magic and tradition. I want my kids to remember the wonder of advent, not how crabby mom was with all the pine needles in the entryway. We can orchestrate enchantment for our kids, nieces, nephews, and neighbors.
And as I spend the next two weeks debating the battle of who sang “O Holy Night” best; Nat King Cole, Celine Dion, or Kelly Clarkson… I am inspired to create that magic. To author the foundation of memories my kids will recall when they hear that song on the radio as adults.
And for the record…Kelly sang it best. There’s really no contest.
*** Speaking of magic, this advent devotional is it. And if you’ve read Ann Voskamp, you already know that everything she touches turns to poetry.
Teaching the Good Stuff 