LOVE'S GENEROSITY

It is difficult to fully explain how much Christian's unwavering faith played a role in his darling, little sister being born.....destiny knew that Christian needed this precious little girl to help him navigate his extraordinary life, and it didn't matter that doctors had said it would and could not happen! Miracles rarely repeat themselves and we weren't supposed to even have our son, it was my greatest blessing to be a mother again.

Malia is Christian's biggest fan but her own talents are so bright that she is not the least bit in her brother's shadows. Christian's sister had her own big personality and yet brought a peace and understanding in times when Christian faced adversity because of his talents. ! Christian may not have had his desired one hundred sisters but Malia was more than enough, the bond between them was remarkable, tightly sealed never to be broken. Malia was Christian's luminous sunshine  during times when my Beethoven Boy was hindered by dark, ferocious clouds. Malia, from the age she could speak always wanted me to leave her bedroom door open so she could fall asleep listening to her brother practice his piano....the thundering chords and melancholy melodies somehow lulling her to sleep.

One particular story sums their relationship up best...

Christian, at age seven faithfully attended Sunday school and every week, the kids had an assignment..to memorize a bible verse and to answer some questions that made their faith more relatable to their every day life. Each Sunday, the students were given the opportunity to say their verse to their teacher and turn in their homework. As a fun incentive, teachers would give the kids Monopoly money, the amount dependent on what they completed. Then, every month, teachers would wheel in a trolley of treats that ranged from candy to small gifts to a few larger items. Christian took this very seriously and faithfully completed his assignments every week. He had paid special attention to the rewards trolley because one very large and special hot wheel racetrack kit  had caught his eye and despite being the most expensive, my little Beethoven was determined to earn it. Concerned about potential disappointment, teachers calculated that it would take my determined son the full school year to obtain the $80.00 price tag..(Monopoly money) and it only allowed room for one class absense. I tried to talk Christian out of his lofty ambition but he was absolutely determined to bring that race car track home the following June. So, thus it began..Christian was fully committed to earning his maximum three dollars every class and keep it safe in an envelope. Every Sunday, he would count his money after he arrived home from church. So, was my Beethoven Boy successful....did he come home that Sunday in June with his most coveted prize?

This is where the story becomes truly interesting....the day had arrived but Christian had to go to church with his Dad as Malia had a cold and I needed to stay home with her. Christian was understandably very excited, and I couldn't wait to see him after church and play race cars on his new most well-earned track.

My husband walked in the door first followed by my beaming boy who was carrying an enormous bag.

"Christian, I can't wait to see your track!" I asked excitedly.

"Well," Christian's grin widened, "I saw my track on the trolley and I was giving my teacher my money but then I saw this HUGE FANCY DOLL and it was the same price and I just knew Malia would love it.

My son's eyes were illuminated with such incredible joy but truthfully, I felt completely stunned, even chiding Christian a little saying, "But Christian, you wanted that special track for ten months and you finally had enough money to buy it....why would you ever change your mind?!!"

At that moment, three year-old Malia walked in the room and Christian joyously, graciously, presented her with the doll. My Beethoven Boy never mentioned that track again....he had found a greater gift that made his heart feel enormous, having the power to make his little sister light up in a smile and hug him tight.

I felt my eyes fill with tears, I had never been more proud of my son than in this defining moment.

Christian's generosity towards Malia never wavered in their life together. On holidays, we would tell the children to keep their eyes out for something special to take home after their two week holiday was over and we would set a dollar figure, usually $25.00 for them to spend. Inevitably, Malia would pick out a stuffie as SHE LOVED STUFFIES and Christian would take his time looking for something special. 

On more than one holiday, Malia would spot another toy or stuffie that SHE LOVED.... and suddenly, we would see her throw her arms estatically around Christian's neck because he had pulled out ten of his dollars to give her so she could buy a second toy.

One again, I would intervene reminding Christian that Malia already had a special gift and that money was his but he would just smile and tell me that he enjoyed spoiling his little sister.

My little Beethoven boy already had his own treasure, her name was Malia and she was his sister, forever meant to be.

TOO LITTLE TO REACH THE PEDAL

When my Beethoven Boy was just little, I would say between the ages of five and nine, people would surround him when he played and marvel at his talent. "Look," they would exclaim, "his feet don't even reach the pedal." When I look back at pictures, I understand with greater clarity the reason Christian was such a novelty to people. First of all, unlike many prodigies, he wasn't the least bit shy. In fact, Christian sounded like an adult when he spoke using colourful vocabulary and tremendous clarity. 

HE was incredibly confident and engaging, a most handsome cherub looking child with big blue eyes and tousled sandy-brown hair.



I did not see it with the same eyes, he was my son and my first child. I knew that he was remarkable but I didn't fully realize the extent of his magic.






One most perfect example came to my mind and it took place on a family cruise when Christian was celebrating his seventh birthday. He had been granted permission to play the piano in the formal dining room situated in a tiny alcove about a beautiful waterfall atop two adjoining circular staircases. A performer of the string trio had heard Christian practising earlier in the day and convinced the dining room manager to let him play one piece for the dinner guests at early seating after their set. There were approximately 2,000 guests and Christian wore a darling little black tuxedo with tails for this formal occasion. Christian had often remarked to people that he loved wearing a tuxedo more than any other outfit and in fact, at the age of six, had dreamed he had been born wearing a tuxedo with tails and was whisked from the delivery room right to our city's famous concert hall where he proceeded to conduct the symphony.

 So, it was from the comfort of our dining table that I watched in somewhat awe, my handsome son stride confidently up the staircase with his music bag slung over his shoulder. Once settled, Christian, with the help of his dad, set up his tiny sustain pedal and with a contented look, began to play this beautiful black grand piano. Christian, of course, could not reach the pedal but his music demanded it so this special contraption provided a solution.

I must back up here to tell a memorable story about Christian when we were first packing to go on this special extended trip. Since our travels would include planes, ships, trains and automobiles, it was important to pack only what we (a group of three adults and two young children) absolutely needed and because the cruise would include formal nights, etc. it didn't take long before we had filled everyone's suitcase. Christian's music bag weighed more than our computer and it was then that he announced quite adamantly that he needed another suitcase for his beloved pedal box. His dad immediately trounced that idea explaining that the pedal box weighed twenty pounds, almost the same weight as our small determined little Maestro. My Beethoven boy was absolutely distraught and insisted that he could not travel without his pedal box. Without, he couldn't play properly so it was as essential to Christian as his own hands. He then announced in a very resigned voice that he, our son Christian, would NOT BE ABLE TO TRAVEL WITH HIS FAMILY TO EUROPE. This story is not the least bit enhanced, this conversation indeed happen.

There instigated an argument resulting with an inconsolable and stubborn six year old musician and a most unhappy father. The voices grew louder and more impatient, both pleading their case, Christian's voice unwavering as he stood touching his instrument and his dad's forehead perspiring with exasperation as his hands were tied about the airline and vehicle restrictions. I am rather embarrassed to say that I sided with Christian on this as the majority of his pieces needed the pedal as much as flowers need sunshine. My husband who was obviously sad and frustrated to have disappointed us finally began researching extension pedals for short, tiny people as Christian weighed less than forty pounds. So, it was with delighted astonishment that my husband discovered on the internet a contraption that weighed only two pounds that promised to strap on the right sustain pedal and would reach up to Christian's foot. We ordered it immediately, despite the fact it seemed too good to be true, and thankfully it arrived one week before our scheduled departure. My husband was full of ideas after his internet find and suggested for Christian's dangling left foot, we use a guitar foot stand. So,It was with great anticipation the first time Christian tried it out, EVERYTHING WORKED BEAUTIFULLY, PERFECTLY!! The family was once again able to breathe and best of all, go on this much-dreamed-about European vacation.

We would not have to leave our six year old son to manage the house for six weeks on his own after all!!

Parenting a gifted child is somewhat like managing a small tornado. For days, there will be calm but when a situation arises that this small human feels is of the most upmost importance, the air will start to churn around him, escalating with his heartfelt emotions and we, his parents, try to calm the storm so to speak. It requires tremendous patience, creativity and impressive negotiating skills.

However, when the storm passes, you have never witnessed such beauty!!

So now, I take you back to the cruise ship, the lovely "Voyager of the Seas," on the Royal Caribbean line.

Christian had chosen a lovely piece to play for this momentous occasion called "Serenata Siero," It opened with flashy arpeggios ending with a dramatic flourish before the gorgeous melody began. It was a moment frozen in time as I heard the beautiful notes begin, my heart beat faster and within a minute, people stopped eating their dinners and started to climb the staircase to hear my son play the piano. Flashbulbs started going off and the flow of people and cameras intermingled into a circle of light. Christian finished playing his piece and the dining room erupted in applause and the volume grew louder as he came to the edge of the alcove to take a bow. People were yelling "Another piece," "Don't Stop," and the dining room manager asked Christian to play every song he knew.


 My little Maestro had connected with people's hearts in that moment with his gift of music. It needed no translation, no explanation. It was beauty and joy in his purest form and I was privileged to witness such a moment! There were so many people that had flocked to the staircase and stood watching Christian play, many with tears streaming down their face. This was the beauty after the storm!

My Beethoven Boy was asked to play every night for the rest of the cruise and there are many more stories left to tell for another post. Suffice to say, it was the right decision to find Christian that little pedal extender as he did indeed need it!

Thanksgiving Hope

   This weekend is Canada's official Thanksgiving- a time to reflect on one's blessings, gather with loved ones, eat a fine meal, basically living a weekend that would inspire a Hallmark card. Despite having endless things to be thankful for, Thanksgiving weekend always provides me with the glaring reminder that Beethoven's mom can't cook a turkey to save her life. Heck, with my bad back, I can't even lift a turkey and to be completely honest, I prefer  to eat vegetarian dishes. However in Canada, there seems to be a tremendous pressure associated with the ability to not only cook one of these birds but to know exactly how to dress the poor thing.

    The overwhelming guilt that my son (and the rest of my poor family) have never experienced succulent dishes (okay, so it's not JUST turkey) prepared by his mother is only matched by the sheer excitement that my dismal cooking skills could be the very thing that propels him into becoming a great chef besides a great pianist. Then, it wouldn't even matter if I didn't like to eat turkeys, I could still enjoy the festivity of the entire day of turkey preparation smiling and complimenting his delicious cooking. It would be lovely...No, it would be perfect and then like every other Canadian family, I could brag about the delicious Thanksgiving dinner I had...blah, blah, 
So, for the past couple of years, I have started to watch Beethoven carefully to see if he is exhibiting any signs of talent in the kitchen using food items and frankly, I'm starting to panic. At age 13, Christian does make terrific pancakes, a spectacular creamy Kraft dinner, and perfectly grilled hot dogs but aren't these the three go-to dishes of any bachelor??? 

So, on this beautiful Thanksgiving weekend, I am grateful that Beethoven has yet another year to hone his cooking skills so I will remain hopeful. But most of all, I am grateful that I married man who is a better cook than me...okay, he's never tackled the turkey as yet, but he does make me lovely coconut pancakes so he's the right guy for me! 




However, our family are abundantly blessed!

Beethoven may just have to figure out this Thanksgiving dinner thing by himself!

So, two years later and there have been some updates! Christian filmed a Toyata commercial with lots of enormous pumpkins (see pictures) and Beethoven Boy is significantly taller than me now and I suppose I should rightfully be calling him my Beethoven young man.


He has updated his cooking list substantially and makes the most creative smoothies, delicious pancakes and steel-cut oatmeal with just a hint of vanilla.
However, the most significant change, is that my Beethoven Boy discovered that he loved baking and the very act of baking brings him a feeling of peace...a zen like calm.

 Christian has started baking with quite a passion and in fact, is so incredibly keen to bake that sometimes, it doesn't even matter to him if we actually have some of the ingredients in the house.Today, in fact, he started to make some delicious vanilla cookies only to discover we had just one egg, not two as the recipe called for, was missing lemon zest and then assembled things a trifle out of order. Disappointment grazed his face as he studied the incredibly flat white blobs willing them to still rise. Sadly, although the hint of vanilla still made the kitchen smell delightful, the cookies (if we actually use the term cookies) looked almost the same as when Christian put them in the oven except for a dark brown edge around the outsides. We decided to sample them together finding it rather difficult to bite through. 

"What are these called again," I said chewing with great effort."
"Vanilla Crisps," Christian answered also expending a rather large effort to eat his treat.
"Well," I said with a wry smile," There are certainly CRISP!"
With that, we both started to giggle and pretty soon were bent over with laughter at the mere thought of Christian offering his special dessert to his Thanksgiving dinner host.
"You should take them as a joke," I gasped! 
Christian shook his head emphatically, "No, I'd be too embarassed if they eat them!"
"No," I frowned," No!! Of course, don't let them eat them!!"
Once again, we collapsed in laughter and I thought what a wonderful Thanksgiving Day it was to be able to laugh with my son!!

So, now Beethoven Boy is downstairs baking pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and we triple checked that he had ALL the ingredients before getting down to task. Christian promises me one if they turn out since I rescued him from using baking powder instead of baking soda. He thought they were similar enough but I reminded him of the white flat cookies from his first batch and finally agreed that it would be better to follow the recipe exactly.

So, now the baking side of things seems to be sorting itself out for future Thanksgiving dinners, I turn my attention for the main course to Beethoven's sister, Malia. My hope for a chef in the family picked up steam when Malia - at age 10 - began watching cooking shows with the same intensity of an Olympic athlete in training. Her attention to detail is unparalleled when watching "Chopped," "Master Chef," or any other Food Network show she could tape without me noticing. In only one year, Malia's vocabulary to describe dishes on the show was quite impressive.
"Mommy," she would note excitedly, "the presentation's a bit off but so long as his flavour profile is still there," OR "That dish was too spicy, it didn't have anything sweet to balance the taste," or my favourite high pitched shriek "JUST GET IT ON THE PLATE!"



I smiled with inner delight, it was evident to me that it was just a matter of time before Malia would transfer her passion for her cooking shows to...well, actually COOKING!! I have been very patient but it has been almost two years, and she still enjoys eating cereal for dinner if she is allowed. The fact that Malia still wants her Dad to pour her milk and cut her cheese slices should perhaps be alarming but I am optimistic that one day, there will be magic happening in the kitchen. At least, Malia certainly suits the old-fashioned Prairie look so the wardrobe aspect is taken care of.

I say we meet again two years from today and hopefully, I will be one step closer to the Thanksgiving dinner of my dreams. However, the one thing I have in spades is Autumn blessings with a wonderful family, two new little weiner dogs (to make a total of four dogs),
 and friends that I have recently reconnected with.



Life is good and I am thankful, extremely THANKFUL! 







Besides, even if Christian and Malia never pull off a spectacular Thanksgiving dinner, I will always have the BEST DINNER MUSIC EVER thanks to my Beethoven Boy and his sister!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

The RACHMANINOFF DILEMMA!!

This will be one of my many posts that will touch upon my son's great love for the composer Rachmaninoff. The video posted above is from a couple years ago when my son, Christian (11)and daughter, Malia (age7) made up a little skit with "Mom's" help to submit to "The Ellen" show. A producer from the Ellen show had already called to speak to the kids about a possible appearance and they were asked to submit a couple more private videos at that point. They had great feedback from the producers but the show was overbooked at the time and we have simply not pursued it. However, we will leave the door open and in the meantime, enjoy this video.

When Christian began private music classes with the renowned Peter Turner, he had a specific goal in his five year old mind that he simply must play the music of Rachmaninoff one day. In the interview with Mr. Turner before lessons officially started, my little boy (all 30 pounds of him) asked most politely and solemnly to the very proper English gentleman as they shook hands hello," Mr. Turner, can you play Rachmaninoff." Without missing a beat, the 86 year old professor seriously answered him, "Christian, my old fingers can't play his music anymore but I can teach Rachmaninoff." Christian grinned and Mr. Turner smiled in return and thus it began.

Well, that short memorable exchange shaped the next few years of Christian's life. Every week, we would arrive midday to the teacher's quaint, immaculate home and Christian would have a glorious lesson on a beautiful Yamaha grand piano. I was given a chair in the teaching room so I might sit and take notes so Mr. Turner could move about the room.  Besides Christian, who learned to read music before his English, could benefit at home if I knew what he was supposed to work on. A distinguished teacher myself, I found myself in awe watching the master at work. Parenting a gifted musical prodigy was extremely daunting and righting the "RIGHT TEACHER" was essential.

"I don't suppose," Mr. Turner would say with a touch of a sigh "that YOU, Christian could play that Sonatina a little quicker just so it dances?" and  would then frown for effect as he continued "BUT, it would be difficult to keep those sixteenths tidy."
Christian would respond immediately taking the dare and playing a delightfully faster, yet tidy version of the piece. Other times, Mr. Turner (who had grown up singing in various choirs) would sing the piece, making up words that fit the rhythm...nonsense really. but then Christian would copy the graceful lilt and Mr. Turner would clap his hands with joy. Each piano lesson would start and end with a hug and I felt at peace knowing Christian's great musical talent was being shaped and nurtured with love. In fact, after only four months together, Christian wrote his grade 2 RCM exam (at age five) and received the second highest mark (94) in Canada for that year.

THIS was one parenting decision that definitely came out right and not just because of the incredible mark but more importantly, because of the incredible joy!!





I could write pages on this extraordinary relationship but I am going to concentrate on their mutual goal today and that was eventually having fingers long enough, trained enough, musical enough to play the great Rachmaninoff. Christian would examine his fingers daily and sigh dramatically about his small fingers and despaired that they may never grow.

So, this concern and worry over his hands continued as Christian grew older but one story remains clearly etched in my mind and it will be the one I share with you today. Christian was about eight years old and was playing pieces at this point that were grade seven/eight level. I was in the kitchen when I heard him start to cry in the other room during the middle of his practice. Christian, always my little "Beethoven," walked in the kitchen and didn't bother to wipe away the tears that was streaming down his face.

"Mommy, HOW COULD YOU?!!!" he asked obviously upset through his tears.

"How could I what?" I responded quietly, perplexed by Christian's question.

"HOW COULD YOU MARRY DADDY KNOWING HIS HANDS WERE SO SMALL AND HIS FINGERS WERE FAT? WHY DID YOU MARRY HIM?"

I tried, I truly tried to contain the laughter that roared through my belly because this small boy standing before me with his tear stained face was sincerely upset and quite furious.

"But honey," as I tried to hide my giggles, because I knew as a mother, it was MY JOB TO CONSOLE MY SON who was quite grumpy as he glared at me. However, it was soon apparent that no matter what attributes of his father I was trying to share with Christian, none mattered at the moment. He finally cut me off, his heart obviously broken....

"NOW" Christian said with great emphasis, "NOW, I'll NEVER BE ABLE TO PLAY RACHMANINOFF," and stormed off to his room in a new torrent of tears.

Sharing this story with my husband when he got home from work didn't exactly receive a belly laugh but more a reaction of shock and dismay.

"Well, I said carefully," Christian wasn't really thinking about you in general, just your hands specifically." I held my husband's hands up for inspection and couldn't help but gasp just a little bit.''

"Oh My, I said a bit concerned,"

My husband  almost spat the words out "My fingers ARE FAT and STUBBY and then added sadly, "AND SO ARE MY DADS."
"YIKES," I tried to hide my true emotions because I had never examined his hands this closely and frankly was nervous that Christian would be right and his fingers would never be long enough to play Rachmaninoff.

It was an awkward moment and I felt sad for my husband both because we had hurt his feelings and also that he had been born with small hands.

"Well," I spoke cautiously. "WE can hope that Christian's hands will grow bigger than yours."

"Yes," said my now grumpy husband, "He is only eight after all, surely his hands will still grow."


AND THEY HAVE!! CHRISTIAN, at age 13, has beautiful long tapered fingers, BIG HANDS and he can play RACHMANINOFF. It is beautiful, glorious and when I hear Christian play music from this composer, I feel as though I have glimpsed the beauty of heaven.



Hopefully, you can hear this 15 second link....of course, it is Rachmaninoff.

Parenting a gifted boy certainly came with a list of challenges and this particular demand, being completely out of my control, could only be determined in time. But thankfully, God had a plan to bless Christian with exquisite piano fingers that could handle any Rachmaninoff piece imaginable. With young "Beethoven's" temperament, it was indeed the right decision!

Pictures of MY "Beethoven," Boy visiting Salzburg, Austria at age 11

My Beethoven Boy visiting Salzburg and Vienna, Austria at age 11- his dreams had come true! As a parent, it is always a wish to be able to fulfill a dream for your child. Perhaps, running around Salzburg screaming "I love it here, it feels like home," and seeing your boy break the rule and reverently caress Mozart's piano behind the ropes is not what you would expect your child to want more than anything. But recognizing that for Christian, this experience would touch his heart and soul forever made this dream a joy to fulfill!



Christian standing in our hotel room in Salzburg

Christian with a coveted Mozart chocolate

Christian playing chess at a restaurant in Salzburg

Finding Christmas- W. Brett Wilson

In my last post, I certainly didn't mean to give the impression that Christian doesn't enjoy Christmas (or myself, for that matter) but certainly finding more meaning in the season remains more challenging in our materialistic society. Attending Christmas Eve service, singing Silent Night by candlelight, celebrating our faith in God- that certainly draws our family close at Christmas and reminds us of our many blessings.

 Christian and his sister Malia often share their musical talents in two very different yet meaningful events during the Christmas season. One event is hosted by well known philanthropist, W. Brett Wilson (also former and BEST DRAGON on CBC's Dragon's Den) who invites both international and local artists together in a special fundraiser concert to raise awareness and money for the Veteran's Food Bank. This charity does far more than provide just food, it helps pay mortgage payments, doctor's bills, medication and other essential help to our veterans who put their life on the line for ours.  

Christian was only eight years old the very first time he was invited by Brett to play a few pieces in the concert and Christian has been fortunate to share his music in this memorable fundraiser every year since. Four years ago, Brett's vision grew to include a Christmas dinner for not only guests personally invited by him but opened the doors to welcome several moms and their children who need to spend their Christmas in safe houses because of domestic violence. Brett spares no expense to hire additional security to ensure that for at least this one incredible night, these precious families can enjoy the food and music without worrying about their safety. Artists such as the Canadian Tenors (now called "The Tenors", Oscar Lopez,James Keelaghan  Beverly Mahood, Brett Kissel, The Stellas, Don Amero, Sophie Serafino and many others have been involved in making Brett's annual Christmas event one to always remember!

It without doubt is one of my families most cherished evenings of not only the Christmas season but of the entire year!

As a mom, you always pray that there will be individuals that will help will play a role in your child's life, recognizing and nurturing their gifts and being another voice besides yours that they will learn from. Brett has been not only a role model and patron of Christian's talent but is someone that has shown Christian how being generous to others is a privilege and to always continue to pay it forward.

Malia, Christian's little and most talented sister was only five when Brett came into Christian's life but he made a point of always making her feel special when the spotlight was focused on Christian. Brett would pick her up and twirl her around, carry her up on stage and make her feel welcome at all of his events. As Malia's talents in music and dance continued to become more apparent, she was also now one of Brett's featured performers at age only eight. Malia learned 12 Christmas duets this past month to showcase with her brother during the Christmas dinner for Brett's guests and she put everything inside her heart into those carols.

As a mom, you can't choose the people that will influence your child's lives so I know that it is a true blessing that Brett just happens to be one of Christian and Malia's most special friends!

Bah Humbug

Perhaps, it shouldn't surprise me that my Beethoven Boy at the tender age of 10 spent eight glorious weeks on stage in a professional theatre production of "A Christmas Carol." On opening night, Christian astounded me with his confidence in his scenes with Scrooge and he seemed right at home with his new English accent bringing the characters of Turkey Boy, Want and six other minor roles to life. In one of the final scenes, Christian was left sitting alone on center stage with an enormous turkey on his lap with snowflakes gently falling thanks to the magic of special effects. I held my breath in wonder as Christian was transformed in that moment to Dicken's time when Scrooge discovered the "true meaning of Christmas."




It was Christian's first and only stage credit to date and I will forever count watching my son in that spectacular production as one of my favourite Christmas memories. Certainly, it was a big commitment for my husband and I as well as we needed to drive to the theatre, despite ferocious snow storms and such, and make sure Christian was present at every rehearsal and performance. IT is the same commitment that everyone involved in this professional stage presentation makes to each other and they brought down the house every time with their electric performances on stage.

At age thirteen, the Christmas season is not all jolly and bright for Christian, he can be rather jaded at at times and truthfully quite"Scrooge like!" It is easy to see it through his eyes as even people profess a desire for a simpler Christmas, there is still far too much stress attached to this holiday. Even Christian's dear great-grandmother at age 90 still feels the need to apologize for not being physically able to get out and do any Christmas shopping. And because of my back disability, I too cannot shop and seeing crowds of people pushing their way around yet another store makes me want to back into a corner and disappear. It seems that the only question that people ask in the month of December is "Are you ready for Christmas," or "Do you have your shopping all done yet?"

Every Christmas, my desire for a simpler Christmas feels more pressing, more necessary for my soul.
Of course, I love seeing the stocking hung, I adore listening to Christmas carols especially ones played by my children and seeing tasteful Christmas lights make me sigh with contentment. Christian shares my desire for less gifts, more meaningful moments and quiet peace. He feels overwhelmed if there is too much stuff under the tree and I love that at his age, he seems to understand what is important.

Truthfully, the only member of my family who firmly believes that "RECEIVING and not giving" is truly better is our two year old collie dog, Maestro who adores presents. In fact, Maestro is so greedy that he feels every present must be for him and when he is given one, he prances around the house with such enormous glee, so incredibly happy that yet another stuffie for him to squeak has been added to his collection. And so it is watching Maestro receive his gifts with such tremendous joy, that I find myself simply giddy with joy, just like Scrooge on that fine Christmas morning. It is the best present ever!