The spirit of Christmas

12.22.10

Last Saturday, a group of Reindeer elves and I made our way to the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent. They brought toys and treats and crafts for all ... the 3rd floor playroom was hopping with action as the children – patients and siblings – decorated Christmas trees, made Snowman door hangers, and tied their own holiday pillows. Santa himself made a special visit. The children got to visit with Santa and each received a special gift.

But perhaps the most special gift wasn't one that we brought into the hospital. It was the gift we received from a very special little boy named Gavin.

Gavin had been waiting patiently in the hallway for Santa to arrive. He grew more and more excited as the clock approached 11 am. He wondered how Santa was going to get there - by car? By sleigh? Two elves stepped off the elevator and Gavin's entire face lit up. He truly had the Christmas spirit – it was bubbling out of him.

When it was finally his turn, Gavin shyly approached Santa and climbed up on his knee. Elf after elf asked Gavin what he wanted for Christmas, but he would only smile and duck his head. Finally, Gavin's grandfather said "Well, tell Santa what Papaw said you are NOT getting for Christmas?"

Gavin's face fell and he answered quietly "a helicopter."

I leaned over to Papaw and whispered "watch this, Papaw, you are about to get trumped by Santa."

And with that, Santa handed Gavin a remote control helicopter.

Even as I retell the story, I get goose bumps. The absolute wonder and joy on Gavin's face lit up the room.

Gavin's grandfather said "Gavin will be a believer for the rest of his life."

This holiday season .. as you get tied up in the hustle and bustle, struggle to keep up with work, worry over bills, stress over a loved one, and begin to lose sight of the beauty and magic of the holiday ... take a moment and think of Gavin. Remind yourself that Christmas is the season of miracles. And if you just believe – much like our dear Gavin did – your wish can come true.

Happy holidays.