How would you like to wake up to this gang every morning? I can't imagine what it was like for Mom, having to keep us dressed, combed, fed and relatively content every day, but I do remember how much fun it was being surrounded by so much commotion. There was always someone willing to play, and always a quiet place to escape when I needed to be alone with my Land of Oz series. Now that it's Christmas season, I keep thinking back to the mountains of gifts under the tree on Christmas morning, and the laden, tiered cookie tray, and tiny Santa Claus cups filled with eggnog. All during December I'd "play pretend" with the wax figures of snowmen, elves, and santas, or endlessly rearrange the painted manger figurines. Chris and I would start making Christmas Plans weeks ahead of time, and Chantal would warn us not to wake her up in the middle of the night, or else!

Finally Christmas Eve would arrive. I'd invariably have a stomach-ache from the excitement, and would lie in bed listening for hoofbeats on the roof. The top bunks were coveted on this night, especially, because chances were greater to hear Santa land his sleigh if you were closer to the ceiling! At some point, someone would wake up and we'd tiptoe to the top of the stairs. Sometimes we'd hear a warning, "Go back to bed!", but eventually Mom and Dad would be asleep and we were free to peek through the railing at the glowing tree and the treasures underneath. We were allowed to get our stockings down from the bannister, and would sneak into the bathroom to turn on the light and examine the contents. Didn't want to wake Chantal up! Then back to bed until someone was able to wake Mom and Dad to bring us down to The Main Event.

Hey, Christmas, for kids, is about presents. We might enjoy the stories about Baby Jesus and the drummer boy, but for those few early morning hours, the magic is all about presents and lights and cookies. And red flannel nightgowns.