Celeste Palacio

Christmas Magic

I believe that Christmas magic is the best part of childhood innocence.

The day after Thanksgiving, our “elves” from the North Pole finally come back to spend the month of December with my family. Even though I know the truth, I love seeing my little siblings' eyes gleam with Christmas magic when they see the elves. 

For the past few years, I have been given the responsibility every December to move the elves every night to keep the Christmas magic alive in my siblings’ eyes. Every night must be a new, astonishing, and mischievous act of the elves. From decorating the house chandelier with toilet paper to making messy snow angels out of flour all over the kitchen counters, I pour my heart and creativity to get a laugh out of my brother and sister. 

Some might say that learning the truth as an older sibling destroys the Christmas spirit. For me, it is quite the opposite. Taking the role of Santa with my parents allows me to bring my siblings joy without them even knowing it. As a secret side kick, I get to witness the innocence that allows for real and genuine Christmas joy each year. Even when my siblings are going through a tough day, I know that their mornings will lighten them up with laughter when they see what the elves have gotten into this time.

I believe that the joy that the North Pole magic brings to children worldwide brings a sparkle to their eyes that nobody can take away. I believe that the beautiful Christmas spirit we celebrate as children is not lost as we mature, but it is enforced.