The times when I still received real gifts of all kinds are long gone, and even last Christmas didn't change that. Now I'd rather be happy that myself and everyone around me are in somewhat good health and that we can somehow block out the everyday madness.
But even though Santa doesn't have me on his list anymore, I'm still in close contact with the old fellow. My job now is to diplomatically and tactfully communicate the wishes expressed by the youngest generation in our house, and to make sure that on Christmas morning the eyes of the little will continue to shine and the laughter and good mood in the house will last for a long time to come.
So far, we have succeeded quite well, as fortunately, the expectations and demands are still all realizable and can even be partially controlled. And some kind relatives have also contributed their part to the fact that the guy with the big belly and the white beard still seems to be quite popular. I guess our living room will now always look like a colorful battlefield, where the gifts we received will have to be tested and tried out over and over again. Tidying up the same things seems to be an inseparable part of our lives these days.
But even though I am now places on the other side, my own anticipation is still at quite a high level, which can almost compete with that of the little ones. Especially when then suddenly and unexpectedly some more packages have to be opened, which we didn't see coming at all before. When then those little eyes suddenly start to shine once again, I am very close to the action and almost as excited as the rest of the gang.
That's exactly what happened to me last week when I got the order to forward another small Christmas present. As it seems, the youngsters had made a good impression at one point, and that's how I suddenly found myself holding a somewhat heavy bag in my hands. I was precisely instructed on delivery and therefore knew that I had to pass on the contents of this bag and not keep it for myself.
Arrived at home, the packages were first registered with surprise, which then quickly turned into excited anticipation. Finally there was something to unpack again, before they had seriously feared that they would have to wait another year for that to happen again.
Three packs of colored pencils then peeled out of the inside of the gift boxes, which of course immediately prompted the little ones to call for some coloring paper. Finally, they were allowed to express themselves artistically and colorfully, it almost seemed as if they had no pencils of their own in the whole house. Something which is used almost every day.
After inspecting the new colored pencils a little closer, I was quite amazed. Not only were there three packs from three different countries, England, Japan and Germany, but these pencils are supposed to be the inspiration to something really big.
Someone has meant it almost too well, and when you take those pencils in your hand, you almost do not dare to draw with them. But even if these pencils seem much too good to use them, they where put to action almost immediately to check out what they are capable of.
But to prevent loss, I will then probably not put out all three at once. At the end of the day, I'm usually the one who crawls through the room and under the bed to collect the missing ammunition. And particularly with these nice ones we got here now, it would be a great shame if they were to disappear early into the nirvana of our living and playroom. If I'm honest, I would like to draw with them myself and I hope little ones will enjoy using them for a long time to come.
Let's see where these pencils will take us and whether we can maybe even tickle out a little special talent somewhere. Not only I would be very pleased about it...
The first pack of colored pencils comes from Japan and already impresses by design. A small wooden box with metal lid and in it 12 elegant pencils, just the right thing for budding artists in toddler age.
The second pack is these pencils from Faber-Castell, a long-standing company from Germany that has made it into Japanese stores. 24 shiny pencils are now waiting to be used.
Pack number three contains a whole set of 36 pencils and comes from the English maker Derwent, which also seems to be in the color pencil business for a long time. The pack contains very soft and grippy pencils and I'm sure we'll have fun with them too.
I am not the only one who this occasion would like to say thank you to Santa's helper. Now we do have some new plans and ideas for this year and we will be able to make life even more colorful than it already is. Colors bring joy, and we can never have enough of them in our house.
Hopefully everyone is happy with their presents and will bring them to good use. I feel in our house their was no reason to complain, the festive mood seems to continue and reach until now and I am quite sure we can make this year a bright and happy one. And full of vivid and dancing colors.