Tonight Jeff, Jonas, and I had the opportunity to go to Luminaria again! Twice in one year! Because the older kids were in California over Thanksgiving, we got tickets to go with them tonight. As much as I enjoyed going with my parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, etc., I really enjoyed just being with my little family tonight. (Plus, there were less crowds and less chaos, which meant more time to enjoy the lights.) We all met up at the Harvest Restaurant for dinner...and to spread a little Christmas kindness. Tonight we decided to give an extra tip to our server, above and beyond what we would normally give. The deal is that Jeff and I would cover what we would normally give as a tip (which is usually always generous), then the kids would throw in extra money on top of that. I am always impressed by our children's willingness to give. They really do engage in these acts of kindness and give what they can...and sometimes perhaps more than what would be adequate. At times, Jeff and my initial reaction is to discourage them from giving so much because we know what it's like to be a young adult or teenager or school-aged youth with limited income, but they quickly remind us that Christmas is about giving and sacrifice. It's moments like these that can melt my mama heart. I may not have been around to raise all of these kids from infancy, but I am grateful that I have had a part and that they have grown up so well.
Following our delicious dinner, we returned to Ashton Gardens for an evening of sights, smells, sounds, and a little Christmas magic. Tonight wasn't nearly as crowded as it was the day after Thanksgiving. There were plenty of spaces where we found our little family alone to revel in the beauty of the light-filled gardens. There weren't as many games and interactive displays as in years past (most likely because of COVID), but they still had the giant light board for us to recreate our #lighttheworld display like we did last year.
All of the themed scenes throughout the park are simply amazing! It really does transport you into some magical Christmas wonderland. From tunnels of lights to a snoring Yeti and everything in between! The Childhood Noel theme is whimsical and fun. It even has a "wishing tree" that kids (and adults) can send their wishes to Santa. I also love that they have real reindeer! Even I get giddy when I see them.
However, I think my favorite part of the walk is the Light of the World garden. For me, as an adult, the giddiness of Santa and his reindeer wears off quickly (although I still get pretty giddy about Christmas). The magic I felt as a kid in anticipation of the gifts I would receive on Christmas morning has waned over the years. Instead, the joy that I discover during the Christmas season is found in Christ. It's when I remember Him or choose to do things that He would do that I truly feel the magic of the season. Thus said, as I walked through these statues and was reminded of His mercy and the miracles He performed, I felt that joy. I was humbled at the reminder of all He has done for me. My perspective of this season was realigned, and I connected with the true meaning of Christmas. The walk was made even more humbling as I watched Jonas carefully grab our Savior's hand in each scene. I'm not sure what prompted it, but he made sure to touch the Savior as we walked through the several scenarios. In one scene (when Jesus forgave the woman who was caught in adultery), Jesus was crouched down to "write upon the sand". Jonas hopped up the stairs to where the statue of Jesus was and gently caressed His hair. It was a brief, tender moment of a child who has also remembered the true reason for the season. (I did chuckle on one scene where the resurrected Jesus was showing himself to Mary because Jonas had to jump and give him more of a "high five" rather than just grab his hand due to the fact that he was elevated in the air a little.)
The evening was perfect. I was surrounded by the people I love the most in the season I love the most.
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