The first Christmas with a new baby is a magical time, like experiencing the joy and wonder of the holiday season for the first time.  The second Christmas? Not so much.  Last Christmas, Miss L was 18 months old and Christmas was...exhausting! Twenty minutes into unwrapping presents she went all grouchy pants and had to take a nap. 

But this year, Christmas is magical again! Miss L didn't really understand what was going on first Christmas (she was only six months old!) or her second Christmas. But this year is different. Christmas trees, holiday lights, candles, songs, COOKIES! Miss L is all over it. And that makes me really, really, really excited. Nothing like a child to make something seem brand new again.

There is one problem, however. My idea of beautiful holiday decorations are green fir garlands and red velvet bows, maybe a few strings of white lights. Classic. Miss L does not share my opinion. To a two-year-old, the gaudier the better.

Ladies, I went tacky.

We have a blow-up Santa. A train. Christmas lights on the bushes. Candy canes everywhere. It's awful. It's bright. It's gaudy. I would post a photo, but I'm too embarrassed. 

It's spectacular!

Miss L, being two, doesn't look at things too deeply. For her, Christmas is all about bright lights, yummy treats, and, yes, presents. For many people, Christmas is spiritual. I am not religious, and for me Christmas has always been a celebration of humanity--and by that I mean joy, generosity, and kindness towards everyone. We are at our best during the holidays, no matter what our religion is.

If that means putting my beloved garlands aside and stringing up crazy blinking lights and moving reindeer to bring joy and magic to my favorite person in the world, I can live with that.