How do you explain when Christmas is to a two-year-old? What is it and where does it come?
Right now, Reagan thinks Santa lives at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. We’ve visited him there twice. Beyond that, I can’t be sure what she understands. Except maybe that there is a tree and some big socks involved. Clearly, I have some work to do in the “what is it” department. Thankful that the “Little Drummer Boy” is on today to aid in this endeavor.
Answering “where is Christmas” hasn’t been helped by our choice not to decorate again this year. Between the fact that we’ll be spending most of the holiday in New Orleans with Danny’s family and Danny’s health the past two years and now since his back surgery, we haven’t wanted to add that stressor. And, until this year, we always figured Reagan wouldn’t notice. But, she’s noticing now. It crushed me tonight when she asked in the most innocent, little voice if she was getting a Christmas and a Christmas tree. Did I ever feel like the Ebeneezer Scrooge to her Tiny Tim.
The timing of Danny’s surgery just before the start of the holidays at Thanksgiving was unfortunate, but necessary. No bending, stooping, kneeling or lifting anything over 15lbs for six weeks. There was just no way I was going to be hauling a Christmas tree and boxes of decorations up three flights of stairs, setting up and taking down while watching a toddler all by myself. I tried to be Super Mom at Thanksgiving and am still recovering. Hence, my absence here as well. In case you were wondering. Or not.
So, I answered Reagan that Christmas is at Mawmaw and Pawpaw’s house and that there will be a tree and presents there for her when we get there. It may not be the perfect answer, but it’s one we can build upon as Reagan discovers all that is Christmas. Eventually, she will come to understand that it doesn’t really matter where you are, or if there is a tree or decorations, or presents, Christmas is always with you. Just as God’s love is always with you. And the greatest present we could ever receive is the gift of Baby Jesus on Christmas Day!
I don’t blame you at all for not wanting to do much at home! There are plenty of tiny (i.e., EASY) trees around with tiny ornaments, but if you can scrape up some spare time, you could also just make a cut-out tree out of poster board and let Reagan color or paint it. You could cut out ornaments (let her color those, too) and let her tape them on. Maybe add tiny candy canes. Then the tree could be taped up somewhere. If you found yourself overly industrious, you could make a VERY simple nativity scene with dolls or more cut-outs to explain about baby Jesus.
Of course, you need to find some spare time first….
Lucy
That is a wonderful idea, Lucy! Thank you for that. I think that may be worth the trip to Michael’s for.