A few years ago, when Connor was in first grade, one of his classmates came in an announced to a group of kids that there was no Santa, his mom had told him that it was just something parents told kids after they bought presents. Connor has been a skeptic ever since.
It doesn't stop him from wondering what he's getting mind you, but he just doesn't believe. That takes some of the fun out of it for us as parents, since he's the only one who really understands the tradition. The twins have never really shown much outward interest in the holidays. If anything, they tend to be annoyed and overwhelmed by all of the changes in schedule and general chaos that happens from Thanksgiving until early January.
Until this year. This year Xander has been excited for Christmas. He was happy to see the "pretty Christmas tree" come home when Josh and Connor came back from their annual visit to the tree farm to cut one down. He even wanted to (and actually did) help us with ornaments this year. He loves to push the two Keepsake sound ornaments (one of Connor's Hot Wheels racers and one is the countdown ornament that sings a Christmas carol). He's even started saying "Christmas tree, presents!" It's the first time he's expressed any interest in anything about Christmas.
So the holidays are a little more magical around our house this time around. Connor may not believe, but he's still anxiously awaiting the arrival of Christmas. And Xander may not believe or totally understand, but he's anticipating the day and understanding the events that will take place.
Sawyer still doesn't show much interest, beyond appreciating the twinkle of Christmas lights on the tree and on houses as we drive through town at night.
But that's something, too. He's noticing things around him, he's showing interest in his environment, and he's not upset by something being slightly different.
Magical, indeed.
