It has been a season of magical moments. A season of family moments. A season of joy. This year, with all these moments intertwined in our daily lives, it actually felt like Christmastime. No more isolation, cancellations, and desolation. We were a family unit enjoying wondrous holiday activities, alight with the Christmas Spirit, and memories in the making. Special moments shared and magical moments created.
The Santa Claus Parade. For the first time since 2019 the Santa Claus Parade returned to the streets of TO. We headed down to our beloved neighbourhood to watch the favourite floats, new floats, and marching bands pass by. Anticipation building for that special moment to arrive – the grand finale – Santa Claus. The smiles and happiness on the faces of young and old was evident. There was cheer and goodwill in the air. People were happy to witness the return of this beloved event, and happier still to see Santa Claus. This is the event for many that kicks-off the start of this magical season of Christmas.
Storytime with Santa. We began this tradition when son was only 4 years old. It’s a wonderful, intimate gathering of children and families for a special 45-minutes of Q & A, songs, a story, and then a tête-à-tête and photo with with Santa Claus. It’s a once-a-year event that our son eagerly [and nervously] awaits – that special moment to share in the magic of Christmas with Santa Claus.
Kringlewood on Inglewood. Located in mid-town TO, you will find the magical world of Kringlewood – a themed street lined with large inflatable Santa Claus’, Christmas lights, and sparkling holiday decor. We stumbled upon Kringlewood on Inglewood in the winter of 2016. We loved it so much that it has since become an annual family tradition. It simply doesn’t feel like Christmas if we don’t visit this Santa Wonderland in the days leading up to Christmas Day. It truly is a magical moment to remember.
Christmas Musical Panto. This was a first for all of us. With the return of live theatre, we decided to experience a magical musical panto for the whole family to enjoy – son, dad, mom, and papa! We donned our winter gear, venturing out into TO’s first snowfall, and made the trek to TYT theatre. The panto did not disappoint. It was a laugh-out-loud musical comedy ripe with humour for young and old. After the theatre, we all went out for a Christmas lunch, tucked in a warm and inviting atmosphere, laughing and sharing in the favourite moments of the Christmas panto.
It’s moments such as these – these magical moments of Christmas – that bring such joy and anticipation to my home. But, it is also moments such as these that cause a dash of nostalgia and a sprinkle of sadness to settle into my heart. I think back to my own childhood long past, of the loved ones long gone, and of those cherished moments, as well as these current moments – magical moments – that perhaps, next year, may not be. The belief in Santa Claus and the magic of Christmas as we currently know it to be may cease. Our little one, who is not-so-little anymore, is on the cusp of believer-to-non-believer.
And so, as we immersed ourselves in these wonderful, magical moments, I could not help but feel a small sense of sadness; I could not help but mourn the pending loss of my child’s innocence, and his joyous love of Santa Claus and all things magical at Christmastime. I held back the wave of emotions that befell me this season, and I reminded myself to focus on these moments – however long or fleeting they may be – for they are the moments to live for. They are the moments I fought for. They are the moments I hold dear.
They are the magical moments. They may not last forever, but will forever reside in memory.
Magical Moments. Published by Crystal Joy Hall
Featured Image by lil artsy
No Comments