Christmas Joy

Much has been said about the commercialization of Christmas.  Certainly, we need to move away from its current materialism and back towards its religious (i.e. a celebration of the birth of the Christ) and altruistic (i.e. peace on earth and good will to all men) significance.  But something also has to be said for the sheer joy of a child when he wakes up on Christmas morning, looks under the Christmas tree, and finds a toy that he's been pining for.  In Adrian's case, it's a pillow pet that he's requested for weeks.  Whenever Gianina and i said "we can't buy that," he always put it back on the shelf without complaint.  And when he got it for Christmas, the happiness was spontaneous and genuine; when i put him to bed last night he hugged me tight and said "Thank you."  When i asked him why, he gestured to the "comfy panda" and said, "'Cause you bili (bought) this."  This from a kid who has to be reminded to say please and thank you all the time. 

Happy holidays to one and all!