Have you ever stopped to appreciate the little ones bouncing under your feet, especially this time of year?

Holiday decorations are up. The smells of baking and pine trees are heavy in the air. Excitement is building with every bow placed on the presents under the tree. Who’s feeling it the most?

The tiny Whos in Whoville.

One visit to the local elementary will give you the proof of it.

I volunteer twice a week and share my love of books with the Kindergarten classes. It reminds me why I write. These bright faces will someday be our target audience. Teaching them to love the written word at this age can make them readers for life.

Okay, I admit it. I do it because I love to watch them react to the funny voices as I share my favorite stories – some old, some new, but all wonderful.

Anyway, there’s been a curious phenomenon this year. For absolutely no reason with no prompting, the students have been known to burst into song. Funny versions of Jingle Bells and Frosty to crazy songs I don’t even recognize.

In the middle of lunch? Fine, no problem. They can even throw in a little dance as they line up to go back to the classroom.

In the middle of craft time? Glue goes on better with a song.

In the middle of math? Well…songs have a repeating pattern, don’t ya know?

In short…Kindergarten is like living in a Disney movie. Spontaneous bursts of song are the sign of happy children before adults pound the glow out of them. This year, it’s really hit me the most because I’ve been a Christmas grump.

In the past, the first day of December marked the happiest time of the year. Somehow, along the way, I’ve lost that joy. Granted, seeing my children happy has been rewarding; however, I just don’t get that sense of excitement over every little thing like I used to.

It makes me sad and has me even more determined to make up for lost time. So, I’ve pulled out my Disney Santa hat and began to practice my own version of Christmas carols… *wink*

Happy Holidays!