It Takes A Village (30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 26)
Posted By jayna on November 26, 2010
It held her attention longer than any other thing this week.
One by one, we placed the boxes and books and bits of felt.
“Gently, Miss E, gently.”
I reminded her over and over again as we unrolled the fluff and spread it out as a fresh blanket of snow.
The roof tops were dusted off and cobwebs from the past 11 months in storage were brushed away. Cords were unwound and light bulbs clinked. Each building found its place, with the beautiful church on the highest hill. Trees were planted deep in the holes we dug in the snow. Bushes and lakes and bridges and mailboxes. A milk truck and driver, a sleigh and horse. All found their places.
E peered over the edge of the dresser, inspecting each placement. She barked orders and fidgeted with the little pieces. Benches around the lake, townspeople in front of the stores. Each piece clinked as she lined them up in a row.
Stepping back, her tiny face gleamed with pride.
We made that.
She made that.
Our own little village, to light up at night and roam with our imaginations.
Some days, it takes a village. Today that village was miniature, but brought the most joy she’s had in a while.
She creates.
Just like me.
I’m so thankful for this tradition we’ve started at my mother’s house, finding the time to break out the “Christmas” as soon as the leftovers are in the fridge.
I’m also a million times thankful that this tradition stays here, in all its breakable glory, far from my house of chaos and toddler hands.
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