We wind up Christmas Eve playing Ticket to Ride with our oldest son. He’s in fifth grade and not easily fobbed off when he asks the awkward questions.  He’s too old to be called a child but too young to treat as an adult. And the faith is strong in this one. Proudest moment of my life  was this time last year when he declared: ” Mom I’m the only fourth grader who actually believes in Santa!” He said this with pride and not a hint of disbelief in the existence of magical creatures.
This elaborate ritual glorifying the wonder of childhood is Christianity’s greatest triumph. Other than taking the art of brewing beer to it’s highest level that is.
I lose Ticket To Ride and the guys wind me up. I’m fiercely competitive so it’s easy. We have some laughs and my son and I fight over who’s going to post Team America to my Facebook feed.
My cousins back in New Zealand  rise to the occasion and post “New Zealand Whaka Yeah”.
Whaka is a Maori word; a grammatical particle. One reason why as a culture we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Our native language sounds like a cuss fest but you know it’s not because we’re smiling as we speak.
It’s when you see the whites of our eyes you need to move back. Slowly.
We’re a self conscious culture as opposed to a confident culture but we cook a mean roast dinner and our nation was settled with a whole lot of mutual arse kicking.
New Zealand scenery is out of this world. I grew up on a movie set and had no idea. I was born in the most beautiful country and I now live in the most beautiful country. This is the duality of national pride I am blessed with this Christmas.
Belief is a mindset you can re adopt as an adult. The proof is in the giving. Stop Believing and all you receive for Christmas is socks and undies .
Maintain your level of Belief and anything is possible. Unless you are dealing with Wellington City Council (NZ) but that is another story.
Christmas Eve Yeah!
