Thank you for the magic

The Princess is 9. She believes in Santa Claus, one of a dwindling minority in her class. But I know from prior experience that she is at the age where she'd like a little more proof. It's a tender age, on the way to pre-teendom, but still playing with Barbies and baby dolls.

On Sunday, a dear friend, the children's "annexed" grandma, sent all 6 of us to a special holiday brunch. Delicious food, lovely setting and Santa and Mrs. Claus. A fabulous Santa, gorgeously attired, long fluffy beard, and willing to really sit and talk with each child. We all walked out, pretty certain that the was the Real Santa.

The Princess asked for two things: moon shoes, and snow.

Did I mention that we live somewhere where it NEVER snows? Maybe once every dozen years. Maybe.

But Santa said he'd try.

Meanwhile, I just haven't been feeling it. The Christmas magic. As longtime readers of this blog know, I am a bonafide Christmas lover, bad TV specials, hokey songs and all. But this year ... well, I just wasn't feeling it. Last night, I had a little talk with the Transcending Mystery and mentioned that you know, I don't need it or anything, but I'd love a little Christmas magic.

The Princess is home with a little cold today. I left her at home while Little Warrior and I went and picked Bo Peep up from school. We were driving home through the rain and I noticed the oddest thing. The raindrops seemed to be, I dunno, kind of bouncing on the windshield. And it seemed like I could see them coming at me, but in a slow way, not like rain does and HOLY SMOKES, I THINK THAT'S SNOW!!!! BO PEEP, IT'S SNOWING, IT'S SNOWING!!!

And then it really, REALLY was snowing, great big huge fairy flakes coming down. We got out and ran to the front door calling to The Princess that it was snowing, really, really, snowing!!! She pulled a coat on over her jammies, stepped into shoes and came out.

The girls all danced and pranced, just wild with the wonder of it all. The Husband called because it was snowing at his work. Before he could say a word, I asked, "SO, do you believe in Santa Claus???"

Tonight, there's not a doubt in our minds. He really was the real Santa Claus.