Insomniac magic of Christmas

Resslin' Around, by Casey Ressler

Twas the day of Christmas, and all through the house, a 2-year-old runs. With Dora the Explorer backpack on, she motors around on a four-wheeled bike, until she sees the miniature piano with microphone, which holds her attention for exactly one second, because someone has looked at the Blues Clues sticker set.

As a parent, Christmas is different than it used to be in those pre-baby days. And as a parent of a 2-year-old who "got it" this Christmas, it meant even more. For the first time, Christmas magic could be seen in my daughter's eyes, and the presents under the tree were a buffet of fun this year. Last Christmas, those presents came in boxes she loved to play in, but she had no concern for the actual gifts.

Santa Claus was a big scary guy who only existed to torment young children last year. This year, Santa Claus was a big scary guy who existed to torment young children, and more importantly, to bring presents to her house.

She has a weird relationship with Santa Claus -- she's scared to death of seeing him in person, freaked out that he is going to try to steal her most prized possession (a flannel blanket), yet she really digs what he does the night before Christmas, and anybody who slips a Bob the Builder video under the tree is fine in her book.

It's funny how you change as you get older. Before, I couldn't wait for Christmas with the promise of all the new goodies and gadgets I get. Now, as my daughter tore through gift after gift, I got just as much pleasure watching her as I did in opening up that new fly reel on Christmas morning.

That Christmas pleasure lasted for the first three hours of Christmas only, though. Then, as all the adults were diving for the recliners and the reality of getting up super early hit, my daughter only got stronger.

There wouldn't be a nap in her future anytime soon, even if every person over the age of 3 at the house was fast asleep. I swelled with Christmas pride, knowing full well we are raising her right. Naps are for January.

Casey Ressler (valleylife@frontiersman.com) is the Valley Life editor. His daughter hasn't left him sleep since Christmas.