Wherza da cookie?!

Last night, our family enjoyed our Christmas Eve traditions. Every year we go out to eat - at a Chinese Buffet since they are usually the only places open on Christmas Eve and also very yummy! This year, we didn't realize until too late that Christmas Eve was a Sunday night. But we decided to go out anyway and really had a great time. It was late in the evening and so nice to have the restaurant pretty much to ourselves. Then we drove around and looked at "titty heights" (see previous post for translation) on our way home. Tuan put on some lesser known (read: obscure!) Christmas music and we danced around a bit before reading the Christmas story from the Bible. As Tuan read the story, Emma and I set up the nativity. Then we popped in "The Polar Express" and waited for midnight to roll around so that we could each open one present. We then added the last ornament,baby Jesus, to our advent calender tree. Despite a late morning and late nap, Emma was pretty tired and cranky while we were setting out a cookie for Santa and a carrot for the reindeer. (One carrot - 8 reindeer = not enough, I know, I know!) I wasn't sure if she was really getting what we were doing. So, Christmas morning rolls around and we all come out to the living room. We point out that the cookie and carrot are gone now. Emma looks at us in surprise and asks, "Whereza da titty?" (where's the cookie) We explained that Santa came last night and took the cookie and carrot after leaving presents for Daniel and her. She excepted this fabrication completely and without question the way only and innocent child can. It really got me thinking. For Emma, we are her entire world. If we tell her that something is truth, she has no reason yet to disbelieve us. This really impressed upon me the importance of my position in her life right now and the influence I have. I am humbled by this responsibility and more resolved to teach and nurture in Emma and Daniel the self-worth and courage it will take for them to become who they want to be and do what they want to do with their life. Wow - all of that from a simple cookie and carrot! Merry Christmas!