Dear Madigan,It's a few days after Christmas ('09) and a good time to reflect. We were all very lucky this year, as Santa left us some great presents! Our favorite: the Wii, which actually lets us play together as a family. Currently, your favorite is bowling, but we still have to explore the many games we received! You also seem thrilled with the two pair of fingerless gloves Santa left- a request made after hearing me ask for them to keep me warm in the library! So yes, we both have them...me and my mini! Daddy's thrilled, as you can imagine. At this point, he just shakes his head.
This year, Santa was great at communicating- perhaps Mrs. Claus is helping him organize? He sent you a letter in the week leading up to Christmas, which was stamped from the North Pole. He mentioned your gift requests, Xavier (our Elf on the Shelf), and Cooper. He also left you a note on Christmas Eve, which we'll save so you can enjoy it all year round. Aside from the gloves, you received the 7 Battle Force 5 (contradiction?!) you requested from Santa. You must have been on the 'Nice List' thanks to Xavier, who reported back to Santa each night and found a new vantage point each day. It was fun searching for him and helped us remember to be on our best behavior. Although we didn't get a chance to say goodbye on Christmas Eve, since it was so hectic, we look forward to his return after Thanksgiving next year!
Hopefully the magic we've been experiencing will become tradition. AND, we hope it will help us remember what's truly important and translate to our daily lives. It's hard being five and being empathetic...but that's what we hope to accomplish with you Madigan. We want you to realize what you have and be grateful...but also want you to figure out a way to change the lives of those who aren't so lucky. Big aspirations for our little man. But you're moving in the right direction...between the whines and tears you do some very thoughtful things...including holding the door for your teacher (of your own volition) even though she was off in the distance. You are a thoughtful boy and we're very proud of you.
Love, Mom
