The Purple Sparkly Shoes

Christmas 2008 began an exciting new experience for me.
It came 4 months after my niece Abby was born, her very first Christmas.
I had never experienced a Christmas with someone that little being a part of it before.
My brother and I were only 17 months apart so our Christmas memories as little kids are pretty close to the same.
Last year it was even more fun watching a now curious little 2-year-old, tear the paper from her gifts with excitement.
The only difference was, she became so overwhelmed by all the paper that once her presents were opened, she had already moved on to tearing more paper from the next present.
It was special seeing that undeniable excitement of a child at Christmas time.
But there was something about this year.
Something about being 3 that was different.
This year she began to understand and to believe in Santa.
Since Santa "wasn't able to come" until after nap time {when mommy got home from work}, I got to ask my little niece what she asked Santa to bring her for Christmas.

M: "Abby, what did you ask Santa to bring you when you wake up from your nap?"
excitedly awaiting her answer she got this humble little smile on her face and replied,
A: "Purple Sparkly Shoes"

... And even for the slightest moment I saw the true heart of a believing child at Christmas for the very first time.
Christmas day left me believing in the magic of it all and I found myself counting down the days until I would be able to experience this sweet blessing all over again.
The magic of the purple sparkly shoes.