Gazing in the gift shop at the nutcrackers and dancers following the performance of “The Nutcracker.”
© 2012 MaryALivingston
Photo reference provided by
Lightly Spiced Photography by A. Adams
The holiday season is upon us. Adults worldwide look for ways to gift and treat the children in their lives.
Last year, I witnessed a most precious Christmas gift. One of our granddaughters loves ballet. Since she could stand she has twirled. Don’t know from where this comes. No one in the family dances other than for casual fun. So, her Papa and Nana took her, her older sister and their mom to a ballet performance of “The Nutcracker.” Little brother was too young to attend and Daddy was deployed half a world away.
We, Grandma and Grandpa, arrived for our visit the night before the ballet. Papa let us know his plans ahead of time, so we also procured tickets for the event.
Our two young granddaughters, ages 4 & 7, were in lovely dresses and shiny shoes. Their hair hung in beautiful locks. They were clearly prepared to attend an elegant event.
Being of small stature, it was hard for the littlest to see over the heads in front of her. She climbed in my lap for a better view.
The curtains opened and when the first ballerina twirled on her toes, the little one in my lap quivered and proclaimed, “I can do that!”
There were a few looks and even a “Shhhhh.”
Doesn’t everyone know the ballet requires silence?
She paid the naysayers no heed, for they did not register through her eagerness. As the show progressed, “I can do that,” would sound every now and again interspersed with an, “I can SO do that.”
This child’s love of ballet was coming to life before our eyes. With every pas de chat and arabesque she became more engaged.
She will remember this forever. Nana, Papa, Mama, Grandpa and Grandma will as well.
During a season when many overindulge, what mattered most to these little girls was spending time with their family at an event they treasured. Papa and Nana hit a home run with this gift, I am thankful we were there to share in the joy.
Some believe the expanse of lavish and numerous presents thrusts upon the little ones is a direct measure of love. Quite the opposite. I never for a moment doubted the love of my grandparents. Yet, over the years, I received not even one wrapped gift for a birthday or holiday from these two people who represented clear and abundant love. This was not because of culture or religious belief. They were poor. They barely had provisions for food and shelter. Sometimes not even that. Their gift everyday was love. The kind of love that reaches to your core. The kind of love that garners respect and delivers clear discipline. The kind of love that has the power to stay in a heart through times of joy and sorrow.
In this season, when it is all too easy to overindulge, take the time to build memories of love your children will treasure. We will all remember the ballet with Nana and Papa.
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Beautiful post! You are so right, and hopefully more people will give gifts of sharing instead of material ones that are forgotten six months later! love the watercolor as well! z
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I showed the girls the picture this morning, they squealed…”That’s from the ballet with Nana and Papa!” They will always remember.
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how fun!!! they are blessed! z
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Beautiful story, Mary.
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Lovely post!
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My youngest granddaughter loves to dance also and her birthday is in December. Since she was about 4 I have taken her every year to see the Nutcracker for her birthday, and she loves every minute of it. This is something her and I share together and it makes her feel special.
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Oh yes. I smiled till the last word:)
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My wife reminded me last night that we are making memories for the children. But we also make memories for our selves. What could be better?
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So true, and those memories have incredible staying power.
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My oldest daughter danced in the nutcracker for many many years. Each year, her company had to dance in school performances and the public performances. A total of about 10 each year. I sat through every one of them and also took pictures. lol We also had gone to the nutcracker every year before she began dancing in that company and even years after. We are not able to go together now because she is in another state. Those were beautiful memories.
I loved your story and love your picture even more.
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Memories – powerful stuff. Tim and I only had boys and brothers, so our granddaughters are our first “little girls” to watch grow up. I was such a tom-boy, all this princess, lace, dancing…new territory! lol
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Beautiful post!
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Beautiful words and a beautiful painting.
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Mary, You’ve spoken a meaningful post here – memories are the best and this is one of the best.
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Thank you, Virginia, and thanks for stopping by.
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Really enjoyed this, Mary! Yes, you both hit a home run with this gift to your grandchildren!
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We just received word they will be here for Christmas, can’t even begin to say how delighted we all are. 🙂
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Beautiful Picture! A memory we will always cherish. You are such an amazing writer Mary. Thank you so much.
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Thank you! Hard to miss when painting wonderful subjects like our grandchildren. For those of you who do not know, Lynette, is Nana of Nana and Papa. I am so thankful that my 3 beautiful grandchildren have both a Nana and a Grandma.
The girls will never forget that ballet, such a wonderful memory, we are so glad you and Papa thought of it. 🙂
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Loved this so much! Thanks for sharing a special pre-Christmas outing. I enjoy seeing my niece perform in the Nutcracker. It is magical. Your art is also!
Thanks for liking and commenting on my latest blog post. I appreciate that very much.
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I am glad you enjoyed it. The memory makes me smile every time…”I can do that!” 🙂
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A precious memory … thanks for sharing.
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What an awesome post. I share with you in the joy of Grandchildren and I can hear the little one’s voice through my own Grandchildren. Your painting is precious; a gift in itself.
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Thank you so much, your comment means a lot to me. I just popped over to your blog, very nice. I am new to watercolor, and enjoy following those with more experience. Your work is beautiful.
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You write beautifully…Wish I can at some point write so well…Can feel all the moments in the lines…And lovely painting…Pretty little ones…
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Thank you, you are so kind. Perhaps it is the years of life coming through.
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Beautiful!
And wonderful wise words ♥
Thank you very much for letting me find you 😀
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Your post brings back fond memories. The first ballet my parents took me to was “The Nutcracker”. We took my niece to the ballet when she was five and taking lessons. For several months, everytime she heard a classical piece she declared, “that’s Swan Pond!!!”. Now her daughter is old enough, and we plan to take her to the ballet this Christmas. Thanks!
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“Swan Pond” love it! So special for a family to begin traditions. Memories like this are priceless.
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