It’s depressing enough to take down all the holiday decorations as the New Year rolls in, but to have the weather be so uncooperatively dreary just lends to the despair.  It’s not that I need decorations and festive lights and a shiny decorated tree to bring me happiness.  Of course not, but seeing all the children gathered around for this specific season of sharing made for a unique, uplifting level of joy – possibly one that may never happen again. It was like the Haley’s Comet of family gatherings.  Having it end so soon is the heartbreak.

There is no denying the joy in seeing 1-1/2 year olds running around the “great circle” of the house chasing after the dog, while carrying a toy in one hand and gold fish crackers in the other-all the while a mother or two following close behind admonishing “don’t run with your mouth full” or “she won’t bite, she’s a good puppy”. Actually it was the dog afraid of being bitten.

Or the 3 year olds vying for attention by seeing who can jump, yell, or play a musical instrument the loudest. Not to be outdone, the 6 year old was trying to be playmate, mother, babysitter and big sister to all the other little ones, and doing a great job.  Trying to decide whether to watch Thomas the Train, Curious George, The Land Before Time, or one of a dozen princess videos was the crucial beginning of each morning.  It was magical to see all the little ones jump up on the couches with one or more of their cousins to take in a brief cartoon. Soon one or more would take off to the playroom or kitchen or back into the great circle.  Whichever room I would walk into there would be a little one coloring (usually on the paper), or eating something (I’m sure that was food in their mouth), or playing with a toy or make believe or playing with Uncle Russell.  Walking into the dining room and seeing 2 little ones in high chairs, 2 toddlers in and out of a booster chair and others gathering around wherever a place was open was just plain wonderful.

Who knew that a chiming grandfather clock would be such a wonder to little ears and eyes or that hanging kitchen utensils would make the dreams of toddlers come true-simple pleasures.  Meals were in shifts based on age. Parents attending to children – and children talking, playing, and listening to parents – even if not their own was heartwarming.  Adults would gather later for dinner and lots and lots of laughter after the kids went to bed -usually with a glass of wine in one hand – baby monitors nearby.  Kids got along, parents got along, I got along – who knew that 13 people and a dog could get along – it was a Christmas miracle!

One of the more special moments of the Holiday visit was the totally spontaneous “dance party” that erupted on Christmas evening while the kids were still up (thank you Uncle Adam). Adults and children  just dancing and spinning and playing instruments unscripted was a complete joy. Toddlers and parents and Grandma all “getting their groove on”.  It looked like a mash up of Motown with 5 little monkeys dancing on the bed with some jingle bell rock thrown in! What a Hoot! It was family, our family being happy – there isn’t anything better to wish for in the New Year.

We will be finding cheerios for months.  We found the miniature bowling ball that was deemed lost forever under the couch last night, and “little people” continue to appear out of nowhere!  It was hard to not just leave the “playroom” in its natural disastrous state – reminding us of the hours of fun it shared every day.

So each time I take another string of lights down, or put another ornament back in its box, it is a reminder of what enormous joy and comfort my family brings to my soul.  Between photos, videos and face book sharing, it will be available for posterity.  In my heart it will always be there to make every rainy day sunny.