Saturday, January 10, 2009

Christmas Program In January

There is at least one event which in real life far outshines its depiction on TV or in movies.  That event, my friends, is the preschool Christmas program.

Watching a kid with a bowl cut digging for gold with half his finger inside his nose goes from "predictable" to "entertaining" when it's unscripted.  One experiences true suspense when the star of Bethlehem almost loses her skirt. And I had to wonder if one little girl's parents were to be commended for their foresight in dressing her in many layers, or if they'd just gotten lucky when she lifted only the top layer of sparkly tulle over her head.

Nels has always had a very theatrical personality (insert wisecrack about his parentage here) and I've always suspected that he'd take to the stage like a fish to water.  He was so excited about the Christmas program and the prospect of being on stage.  So of course I was full of anticipation to see what the experience would be like for him.

When he first came onstage with his class, it was to sing "Feliz Navidad" (or "Feliz Nobby Dob," as he likes to say it.)  He looked around for us with no success for a good long time, puffing out his cheeks like a blowfish all the while.  We've never seen him do that before.  Finally he spotted us, and his face just lit up.


"I want to wish YOU a Merry Christmas," he sang, pointing his finger emphatically, his arm completely outstretched.  I promise you, his eyes twinkled.  The kids sang on for what seemed like forever, chorus after chorus, and each time Nels looked me in the eye and pointed and smiled.

I don't know why this affected me so, but I could feel my face getting all warm and prickly.  It was almost embarrassing to have such a strong emotional reaction.  It's like what I've always imagined when some women describe the feeling of holding their baby in their arms for the first time.  When I first held my boys, I felt no rush of positive emotion.  I felt mad (Nels) and tired (Willem.)  Of course I have always loved my kids tremendously, but it was nice to be whacked over the head with the feeling of "You are my son, and to have you in my life to love is a miracle."

Wow, did Nels love being on stage.  Once or twice he went into opera mode, his mouth open as far as it could go and his eyes rolled back.  He also made several faces, as though he were acting out a scene.



In the photo below, Nels is either starting or wrapping up a grand bow.  No, none of the children were asked to bow.  Yes, after every song he sang, Nels grabbed the hand of the friend next to him and initiated an elaborate bow from the waist to the floor.

I've said it before, and I daresay I'll say it again:

That's my boy.

8 comments:

Misty said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

What a crack up! Kids like Nels tend to be my favorites to watch. My kids are both so uninterested in the proceedings that there isn't much risk of missing anything from them. Thanks for giving us a peek into your lives with this blog. I always read, but just haven't commented. You are a wonderful writer/storyteller.
Misty

Gypmar said...

Thanks, Misty!

Anonymous said...

Oh - this is hilarious and a true treasure! I sure wish I could have been there - but your writing and pictures have tears of laughter rolling down my face. I almost can imagine being there.

Please congratulate our dear, expressive Nels on a job well done.

A star is born?

Amy said...

What a wonderful talented boy you have, and a wonderful talented mommy too! His faces were GREAT!

Gretchen said...

Oh My GOODNESS! I have to laugh! I love the faces!! =0) You've got a live one there Gypsy.

kylee said...

Your description of your love is beautiful.
And I am not surprised one bit at Nels' home on stage, thanks for showing the progression of expressions! Wish I could have seen the bowing.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! -Nels, I'm happy to see you must have inherited a talent or two from your mom. You are a joy to behold!

Lots of love, Grandpa Scott & Grandma Juli