Portable Christmas

December has been a month of celebrations.  We celebrated Sophia's birthday the day before Dave took his test.  We celebrated that he passed that very night.  Most of the rest of the month has been consumed by packing and cleaning and shopping and making arrangements.  But last night, we took a break from moving to celebrate Christmas as a family.

We have been out of our house since Friday, when the movers packed everything up and shipped it to Venezuela.  But we had a small tree in the house, and we now have a small tree in our hotel, along with some of our other Christmas decorations.  Our efforts were rewarded when Sophia walked into the hotel room for the first time and pronounced It feels just like home! 

And last night, that little tree stood surrounded by gifts. 

Family Christmas began right after school, when Dave and I met the girls on the playground and rounded them into the car.  We headed straight toward Merrifield Garden Center, to meet what was rumored to be the real Santa.  We arrived at 4:30 and didn't meet him until 6:45, but I heard very few complaints from the girls.  Santa had his own little house, decorated with a nativity, an advent calendar and plenty of lights and stuffed Santas to keep their eyes busy.  The free popcorn probably helped to pass the time as well.

 I believe the girls doubted this would be the real Santa Claus all the way up until they met him.  But after leaving his lap, everyone became convinced.  This year, we met the true Santa Claus.  He knew that Lilly is the smartest kid in her class.  He knew that Sophia loves to paint and draw.  He knew they were not going to get a real live puppy dog, although we were surprised to hear him promise an American Girl Doll!  We had some conversations afterward about Santa and his memory.  Either way, the visit was magical and the girls were in awe.

Back to the hotel for presents, and then flashing lights came in from the parking lot and we ran out to meet the Santamobile.  We didn't snap any pictures because we were in such a hurry just to catch them - we had to toss the girls over a fairly tall fence in their stocking feet so they could catch up!  The Fire Departments in this area have a holiday tradition of sending out decorated fire trucks with Santa Claus riding on top - although my girls informed me that last night, it was simply a stand-in on the truck.  They hand out candy canes and fire safety information and generally add an air of magic to the neighborhood.  Their magic topped off a fabulous Christmas - and I don't think anyone felt any less at home in the hotel last night.