I Still Believe

I was 8 years old when a boy at school told me there was no such thing as Santa. I was devastated. How could he do that? Thinking back on it, I had known for a while. We all know, don’t we? But it’s the power of believing that’s at the heart of what makes Christmas special.

I believe that traditions are important but they aren’t everything. While growing up we had our share. I could count on my dad taking us Christmas tree hunting. We knew we’d get to open one present on Christmas Eve only after reciting and acting out “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” for our family. I still know it by heart. At best, it’s been inconsistent with some ups and downs.

Today is different. Love, laughter and family fills my heart. For the first time, we’ll be celebrating at our family lake cabin. My husband and I went Christmas tree hunting in surrounding woods. The outside has been decorated in full Griswold fashion. You walk in and it feels like Christmas. More importantly, it will be about family and creating memories…and maybe a tradition or two.

While I used to feel like I had nothing to add to the conversation when someone asked about my holiday traditions, today I feel joy. Joy because I’m celebrating my family. In fact, our motto is Family First and that’s a tradition I can always believe in.

There is something beautiful about unconditional belief. For the love of something that you haven’t seen but just feel in your heart. The true meaning of Christmas is just like that. As the star shone bright, a baby was cradled in a manger. It’s that belief that lives in my heart now surrounded by a loving husband and family. So yes, I still believe.

…Happy Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight… Ronele