It is clear that excitement and anticipation is growing. Santa Claus is coming to town and it is obvious that the children in the area and the ones in each of our lives know it.
This is the season where the snow is not the only thing that glistens and where the sparkle in a child's eye on Christmas Eve is brighter and more real than ever.
The evidence of the season is evident as every school hallway and classroom has turned a little more festive as green and red crafts, and art projects appear daily. Kitchen countertops have a new addition as colourful gingerbread houses materialize. And the post office is overload with letters mailed to Santa.
The mall is busy with children waiting in line to have their picture taken with Santa. Christmas concerts are held throughout the month and children spend hours practicing their lines for Christmas plays and songs that will be performed for an audience full of loved ones.
Moms and dads bundle up their children to watch the holiday train pass by, advent calendars are purchased and the 'chocolate' countdown for Christmas begins.
In less than 16 sleeps, Santa Claus will be climbing into his sleigh and taking to the skies. Children will put out cookies and milk and a few carrots for the reindeer. They will spend hours tracking Santa on the internet with the NORAD Santa tracker - a must do for any kiddo - before seeing that jolly Old Saint Nick is on his way. The youngsters will climb into their beds filled with anticipation until their heavy eyelids can no longer be kept open.
It is obvious that Christmas is a highlight for children as all the magic and wonder of the holiday season comes alive. But it is also obvious that Christmas is not 'just for the kids.' The spirit of the holidays has no regard for location, pays no attention to gender and is definitely not age-specific.
Anyone who thinks that Christmas is specifically for the children, needs to look a little closer. The holiday spirit is everywhere.
Adults spend hours stringing Christmas lights along their eaves troughs and around the trees in the front of their homes. Wreaths are found on the front doors of neighbours and gigantic candy canes line the driveway.
Mistletoe hangs in the entrances of homes and decorations find their place for the holiday season. Christmas trees are carefully selected, and time is spent decorating them with care. Towns hold community-wide decorating contests and homes and streets shine brightly as a tribute to the holiday season.
Christmas cards are written with care by adults of all ages and the yearly 'family update' letter is written and sent out to loved ones to keep in touch. Family photos are taken and surrounded by Christmas themed borders and sayings.
Evenings are spent as a family sitting around the Christmas tree with cups of steaming hot chocolate in hand accompanied by the ever-so-important miniature marshmallows.
'Tis the season means that neighbours visit neighbours with a little Christmas cheer in hand and evening visitors are not only welcomed, but expected. Santa hats worn on the heads of adults bring smiles to the faces of those they meet on the street.
Regardless of whether you are 5-years-old or 90-years-old, 17-years-old or 45-years-old, one thing is for sure, the holiday season is celebrated by children and adults alike. Whether it is a sparkle in a child's eye or moments of laughter shared over hot chocolate, evidence of the holiday season is seen daily.
The holiday season is a time when old traditions are repeated and new traditions begin. It is a time when memories are cherished and new ones are made. And it is a special time of year when a little magic exists not only at the North Pole, but in our communities, our schools and our homes.
