The holiday season is a magical time. The sights, sounds, and smells are a manifestation of the feeling inside. Joy, peace, comfort … those combined are the holiday spirit. It’s the one time a year when almost every person thinks of others — what they want, what they need … we think of those who are less fortunate than we are and do things to help make their holidays better. By thinking of others, we get a glimmer of the holiday magic inside as we remember how good it feels to not be so completely wrapped up in ourselves. To me, there is nothing more magical than seeing the holidays through the eyes of a child. The wonder, the joy, the excitement, and the total belief in things that cannot be seen or touched. And there is nothing more magical than the sound of children’s laughter.

The kids and their critters all took turns sledding down the hill, and when it was Sergio’s turn he insisted on a BIG push because he wanted to go really fast so he could pretend he was flying. Timmy, Michael, and Danny gave him a shove and he sped down the hill, chortling with glee. Luna screamed when he hit a bump and the sled went up in the sky. She tore down the hill, chasing him, tears streaming down her face.

She should have known. Sergio has a knack for being okay. The sled skipped off the snow a few times, then slid to a stop at the bottom. He jumped up, yelling, “Let’s do that again!” until he realized Luna’s distress. He put his long arms around her and gave her a big hug. Then he told her that next time they’d go down the slope together, as slow as she wanted. He didn’t want her to worry.

The trees lined the path, all straight in a row
Packed ‘round their trunks with the new-fallen snow
Sergio tore down the hill in a flash,
While Luna was fearful her sloth friend would crash.