The Q-View

There is nothing like being around a Santa Clause-believing little kid at Christmas time. The wide-eyed enthusiastic anticipation reminds us “of all that is good” (to quote Field of Dreams).

This week’s Dom-trip-to-pre-k began with his presentation of a gingerbread man he had helped make the night before. As you can see, he did a heck of a job on the artwork.

Between intense sessions of Mario and getting dressed, Dom also pointed out the tree that had recently been placed in the corner of the front room, lights aglow, but waiting to be decorated. I brought some ornaments with me for the tree, including a couple of lighthouses. But, lighthouses were not as fascinating this week as they were last.

During the ride to daycare, Dom mostly stayed in his own world, dialoging through some scenarios he was playing out in his mind. We did talk about the tree again, and he invited me over to help decorate. He also assured me that he had been a good boy, worthy of Santa’s affections. And gifts!

A spontaneous rendition of a line or two from “Jingle Bells” was Christmas Spirit inducing.

Dom dawdled in the car when we arrived at daycare, checking out things he couldn’t reach from the car seat.  Like a bottle of Coke he begged a sip of. I acquiesced. It was decaf! He did his daycare routine perfectly: clothes in his bin, hand wash at the sink, and goodbye. By the time I was out the door he was hanging with a couple of girls who were coloring.

I hummed “Jingle Bells” all the way home.