Holiday Lights
Have you ever stopped to look, really look, at holiday lights? Kajal finally seemed up to going out for a little bit so my mother and I bundled her up nice and warm and jumped in the car to 'see the lights'. From our home we can see the holiday lights start to appear in our neighbors lawns and being new to 'suburbia' we've been talking about taking a drive to check out all the decorations. I let Kajal guide the way... "turn that way mom!" "now go that way!" and she screamed and squeeled at every last Christmas light. Lawns seemed to out do lawns. There was classic white lights with wreaths and big red bows then lawns that seemed to come alive with dancing Santa's, moving reindeer and even Scuby Doo.
As we drove slowly through the streets, oohing and ahhing I realized that this simple excursion was like nothing Kajal had ever experienced. It's such a simple thing to do.. it didn't cost a cent. We played Christmas Carols and we drove. It was perfect.
I remember being a child and driving along in the back seat of the station wagon with my parents, gazing at the lights as we travelled to visit relatives over the holidays. The memory was a reminder of the simple things that caputre our hearts and joy over the holiday season.
It's so easy to get caught up in the commercialism, the desire to find the 'perfect' gifts and to throw outrageous parties. None of that really matters though does it?
Making homemade ornaments, unpacking the ones from years gone by. Watching corny holiday movies over and over again, curled up next to one another on the couch. Warm cookies out of the oven and giggles....
These are the moments... the wonderful, precious moments that make the holidays, magical.
What Kajal really needs, what I really need. Simplicity and love.
Holiday spirit.

Dear Kajal's mom
I don't know how I got to your blog, but I am glad that I did. Thanks for sharing your beautiful experiences with your daughter Kajal. I am in the process of adopting a little girl from Ethiopia between 3-5 years old, as a single parent. I am really looking forward to the day I meet my daughter and bring her home.
Kajal is a sweet little girl!
blessings to you Kajal & your mom
Lan
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