Children bring back the true meaning of Christmas. All of a sudden, the magic of Christmas is back. You begin to trust in the goodness of others again. You see "all the pretty lights" and trees, wreaths and bows again, instead of the throngs of shoppers and crazy last minute drivers. You believe again. This was Piper's first year to participate in what has been a family tradition with the women of my family. Every year since our first Christmas in Arizona (1987), my mom has taken my sister and I to see the Nutcracker Ballet. That first year was the most special. My parents were feeling low because it was a lower-key Christmas than we were used to. My mom happened to win 2 tickets to the Nutcracker. My mom, sister and I took our chances and went to the show that night hoping to possibly get a third ticket. That we did, and the tradition took hold. Each year we looked forward to the event. But even more than the event, we looked forward to our own celebration of the bond between the three DeWitt women. I believe each year at our Nutcracker dinner there were tears in our eyes for one reason or another. Sometimes tears of joy, sometimes tears of sadness, sometimes tears because we were laughing so hard. Each time they were tears that bonded us even closer.
My mother-in-law, Annetta, Piper and I were waiting for the show to start. I can hardly describe the feeling of joy I had while sitting in our nose-bleed seats this year with my three year old daughter by my side. She, so excited to see "REAL ballerinas" and me, so grateful to be able to carry on the tradition with my daughter(s). This year, tears of joy. I only wish my mom and sister could have shared the moment.
The curtain went up and the three year old was still. (This, a feat.) I won't lie and say she was enthralled for the entire 2 hour show. She is three, after all. But there were moments of pure Christmas magic. To see "REAL ballerinas" dancing on that big stage! ("Can I dance up there mommy?" she asked. She also asked her Daddy before the show if ballerinas poop, but that didn't really contribute to the magic of the moment.) To see the snow fall inside! The costumes! Then after the show, the "REAL" ballerinas were in the hall in costume. Piper looked upon them with almost as much awe as she did Santa. 
I don't know if Piper will remember this show. But I know she will remember the tradition, because as long as they are interested, the Ramsey girls will carry it on. And maybe one special year, the DeWitt women can join us too.
I am so grateful to my girls for making me believe again. To make Christmas magical again. Thank you baby girls. I love you.
