This Christmas has probably been one of the best Christmas's I have had in a long while! And its not even over yet. It started with a trip home to Michigan at Thanksgiving to see our family. Spending the first full family Christmas together since my mom passed away, was more than a blessing. My dad and his girlfriend Vickie really made it a nice Christmas for all of us.
While at home we took time to visit Hines drive. Its the best Christmas light show in America! (yes im very biased) This has been a family tradition for my family since it first opened. I really missed not being able to see it at all last year. It was a very special treat for me!
I also had the opportunity to work with a good friend of mine, Stephanie Tavener to get some promotional shots for her Bowtique. She makes the most beautiful bows, and tutus, and little girl accessories. She worked very hard to get all the models and product lined up, so when I arrived I just had to do my thing and capture these little beauties.
But I think the cherry of top of it all for me, was Santa. I had the great pleasure of meeting and working with Santa Claus. It was like a dream come true for me. I love Santa! I have always loved Santa. But working with him, and witnessing first hand the joy he brings to children of all ages! Its almost indescribable. There was more than one occasion, I had to take a deep breath to stop my eyes from tearing up. This man, this magical man brings smiles and joy and love to all he comes across. The Santa sessions were only a very small part of it. Of course children light up when they see the big man! It was fantastic seeing him connect with each child individually. The true joy I got however was watching older children, in their 40s 50s or even higher. The children that were out shopping and had their head stuck in lists of things to buy, and stuck in the hustle and bustle of it all. Seeing them stop, look, and their face changes. Stopping to hug Santa in the middle of our quaint little downtown. Everything leaving their mind, except the magic that is before them. Stopping to smile, and chat with Santa about the north pole and other such things. I had the priveledge to witness children and thier parents running across the street to just have a second of the big mans time. And in between all this magic, that I had the priveledge to witness first hand. Santa shared stories of his work. Just the day before he had a 12 hour day, spending time with and feeding a meal to our homeless veterens. If I recall there were close to 300 homeless Vets bused in from all over Virginia. He spoke to me about it, with a gentleness in his voice, and deep concern in his heart. These poor men and woman who fought for our country, for our freedom, for the good of all of us, who are treated like nothing. To be honored to serve witness to such things. It has been the biggest blessing of all. 
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