This year was a particularly special year for many reasons. We have added to our family and are now a bigger group with more kids (and thus, more love!). Our next-door neighbors are celebrating their last Christmas in their house, as they are moving after 28 years. And, sigh, as Keith appeared dressed as Santa, not one kid batted an eye – not even a glimmer of “could it be?” crossed their faces.

As we made our way around the cul-de-sac and down the street, each door opened with a flurry of activity. Some little ones were afraid of Santa. Others mesmerized. Adults, young and old, clapped hands and sang along. Often, we were asked to pause, to wait to begin until family members could be assembled. We all sang from our hearts, and played our instruments with glee – it was like being a kid again!

This was our gift to our neighbors. Some were having large family gatherings so we got to sing to large crowds. Others were just two. Our kids were “rewarded” for their caroling at various houses with Chanukah gelt, solid milk chocolate Santa’s, a kitty Christmas ornament, and nearly some cash as one man started going through his wallet (which was odd, we weren’t singing for our supper, after all!). We even stayed and sang to the house that would not open the door and actually closed all the shutters on us. But we knew someone was in there, so we sang. I guess we all figured they needed Christmas Joy more than anyone.

Laughing, singing, banging on drums, jingling tambourines and shaking music sticks and maracas, we were not only giving the gift of neighborly love, but we were giving ourselves and our children the gift of a family tradition. Of a memory. Of an activity that they will have forever stored in their memory banks, that lets them know that they are part of a family, of something bigger and safer that will wrap them in love when they need it the most. And that is what this moment, this Christmas moment, is about.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick.

I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”