The Start Of Something New

It had been three months since Pops heart attack, and he was doing great. He and GiGi were popping over for dinner, and we were elated that they were getting out and about again. The kids were bouncing off the walls because they were so excited to see them.

Our daughter Nyla was busy pulling out all the Christmas decorations so she and GiGi could see what needed to be replaced. 

Y’all know by now the holidays are a big deal at our house. Starting the day after Halloween, every room in our house has a little holiday magic. We are especially big collectors of black Santas and black angels, often making our own for the tree. It is something fun we do together, just us girls.

Little Nicky, our 3-year old, was busy too. Doing back flips off the couch, playing with our dog Rudy, and in general, trying to annoy his sister. Basically, a regular Tuesday night for him.

When Pops and GiGi arrived we all sat down to dinner, and about midway through, Pops looked at us and said your mom and I have something to talk to you about.

Nick and I looked at each other and wondered what was going on. Was Pops sick again?

You know I have had to really slow down. I am doing well, but it is time for me to let go of some things. Or in this case, pass it down.

Y’all know, our family has been doing the Holiday Give Back for 35 years. GiGi and I love the event, and we want it to continue. But we cannot be involved as much as we used to be. 

It is time for some fresh ideas, and we are ready to retire playing Santa and Mrs. Claus…and we want to pass on the magic Santa bag to you. We want you and Nia to be Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Wait, what?

“But Santa is old,” Nick said, “And Santa and the Mrs. are the two of you. It is not just the costumes.”

Pops and GiGi just laughed. 

“We were not old when we started dressing up as Santa and Mrs. Claus. And we figured it out as we went along. You can too.” GiGi said.

Nick and I were not sure what to say. His parents had been doing this for so long. We just could not imagine them not doing it.

Meanwhile the kids were over the moon. 

“Do it Daddy, do it.” Nyla chanted over and over.

“My Daddy is Santa.” Little Nicky shouted.

Nick and I looked at each other and I could tell he still was not sure. 

“Babe, what about the bakery?” He asked. “This is your busiest time of year. I know how important this is to you.”

Two years ago, I had quit my job teaching to pursue turning my love for baking from a side hustle to an actual business. It has not hit it big yet, but it is well on its way. The holidays are our busiest time, and with Nick’s job as a firefighter our family is constantly on the run.

But as I looked at GiGi and Pops, I knew it was our time to take the reins.

“Honey, we can do it. Our family has a legacy of giving. It is our turn to make the magic.”

Nick agreed. “Okay, we’ll do it. But we’re going to do it our way.”

And so began our adventure! For the last few weeks, we have been running to make it happen. Y’all stay tuned to see how the story unfolds.