Santa lives in the hearts that hold hope

As the world twinkles in red, green and white LED lights it's official… Christmas is upon us. It's a time of flying reindeer, mistletoe and secret wish lists.

Caught up in the magic of the season, one evening while driving home, I suggested that we should pack the dogs up, get hot chocolate and take a drive to look at Christmas lights.

My husband shot me a confused look and then asked, "Why would the dogs want to see Christmas lights?"

All I could do was shake my head bewildered and chuckle to myself. That's my boy.

The real reason for wanting to look at lights was more of an effort to recapture that "magical" childhood feeling that always comes during the holidays.

As a child I remember my younger sister leaving sugar cubes for Santa's reindeer on Christmas Eve. At the time I knew that Santa didn't exist, but deep down I still hoped there was a chance.

As an adult I was surprised at how much hope had disappeared, until the pitter-patter of my niece's and nephew's feet brought it back.

It's amazing how a small child's face can light up in sheer amazement at twinkling lights, or suddenly grow very shy at the sight of a big man in a red suit. Wrapping paper, bows and a large box can provide more hours of entertainment than the gifts themselves.

During these smiling moments I want nothing more than to recreate the "magic" of the season for many years to come. Not only for my nieces and nephews, but for the little kid in me that refuses to grow up, and secretly believes in Santa.

Merry Christmas, happy holidays and God bless.

Jonda Spurbeck is the Columbia Basin Herald design chief. Her musings on Christmas passed on the "magic" of the season to her co-workers.