We started going to the Christmas Show at the American Music Theater in Lancaster about 10 years ago.  Our first show was just Tom & I, before kids, and an instant tradition was born.  I still remember telling him after the show that this was something I wanted to do every year, and that I couldn’t wait to get to do this with our “future” kids.  

Flash forward ten years, and this weekend we toted 4 kids, including two very active under four year-olds, to enjoy what has become one of our favorite traditions.  While COVID changed our plans last year, this annual constant in our schedule has been such a fun event.  For those of you who haven’t attended, people come from all over the mid-Atlantic to see the show.  Broadway style song and dance, classic Christmas costumes, a usual fun spin on Santa’s visit, and even some North Pole fun with elves (and this year Penguins?) makes for enjoyment for all.

As any parent knows, shows like this can produce some anxiety filled moments for parents.  In an audience filled with lots of “kidless” theater-goers, we have come to roll with the punches and come prepped with snacks, end-row seats, and emergency exit strategies.  Cameron was our biggest concern this year, as a 2 hour show is a loooong time to sit still for an active toddler.  He did as well as can be expected, alternating between my lap and sampling the various snacks strewn across our row.  The big girls really seemed into the show this year, as I caught them mouthing along to songs they knew and clapping with authority after songs.  

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is less than two weeks away.  Crossing this tradition off of our list is one more sign that before long, Santa will be taking flight and beautiful presents wrapped in paper and bows will make it to our home.  With all the hustle and bustle in life, especially during the holidays, it is more important than ever to take time to enjoy the little moments we collect along this journey, and days like today included many of those moments that add to our Christmas story, which we continue to write one day at a time.