Bringing Joy: The Unforgettable Christmas Magic of a Three-Year-Old

Megan Papas and the Magic of Christmas

Recognizing the Joy of Christmas

Christmas is a time filled with traditions, and when children come into the picture, it’s an opportunity to create new ones. For media personality Megan Papas, this Christmas holds special significance as her son Bastian approaches his third birthday – a prime age for embracing the festive spirit. Papas cherishes the joy of witnessing her son’s growing awareness of Santa, his love for Christmas music, and his excitement about unwrapping presents. These experiences make Christmas extra special for the family.

Bastian’s Christmas Traditions

Papas and her husband, musician Andrew, also have a daughter named Aiya, who is still too young to fully understand the holiday festivities. Nevertheless, Papas is eager to establish new traditions that can be carried on as the children grow. One such tradition is attending the Farmers Santa Parade, a beloved annual event that marks the beginning of the festive season. Papas reveals her love for this parade, which she has been attending for years. The floats, the excitement in the air, and the sight of Santa bring her immense joy. She is delighted to make lasting memories and create a new family tradition.

A Special Connection with Santa

For Papas, one of the highlights of the parade is the appearance of Santa Claus himself. She eagerly awaits his arrival and appreciates the authenticity of the Farmers Santa. The parade stands out among the various smaller parades throughout the city, thanks to its grand scale and enchanting atmosphere. Christmas is a time when many people face difficulties, especially with the rising cost of living. However, the Santa Parade brings a sense of magic that transcends those challenges and ignites excitement in everyone who witnesses it.

The Evolution of the Santa Parade

The Farmers Santa Parade, held in Auckland, holds a rich history spanning 90 years. The first parade took place with horse-drawn floats, and it has evolved into a cherished tradition. This year’s event will feature popular elements like a pirate ship and marching bands, as well as innovative additions such as The Elf on The Shelf float, inspired by the beloved children’s book. There will also be a nod to the challenging weather of this year with floats representing services like fire engines, a rescue helicopter, and an ambulance.

Extra Festivities for Families

The parade is not the only highlight of the day. Pre-parade entertainment will begin at noon, making the day even more enjoyable for families. And after the parade, there will be a free “after party,” hosted by Jono and Ben from The Hits, in Aotea Square starting at 2:30 PM.

Megan Papas and Andrew’s Other Christmas Traditions

Papas and Andrew, self-proclaimed “Christmas fanatics,” already have several cherished traditions leading up to the big day. They enjoy strawberry picking, wearing matching Christmas pyjamas, and decorating their towering eight-foot-high tinsel tree with an abundance of ornaments. Papas admits to resisting the temptation to buy more ornaments from Farmers to add to their collection. Another heartfelt tradition involves writing an annual note to themselves, which they open and read when they put up and decorate the tree the following year. These notes serve as a reflection on their goals for the year and allow them to marvel at how life has unfolded over time. The collection of notes serves as a testament to their journey and the changes they have experienced.

The Powerful Influence of Tradition

Papas appreciates the depth and significance of their tradition of writing these annual notes. She reflects on the challenging times, including the years affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their hopes and dreams of starting a family – dreams that have now come true with the arrival of their two children. This tradition offers a glimpse into the past and a chance to assess how far they have come. Papas finds this reflection process fascinating and looks forward to continuing this tradition year after year.

Editorial: The Magic of Christmas and the Power of Traditions

Christmas has always held a special place in the hearts of people around the world. It’s a time when joy, love, and generosity take center stage, creating a magical atmosphere that transcends the challenges of daily life. In Megan Papas’ story, we find a reminder of the enchantment that Christmas can bring, particularly when experienced through the eyes of a young child. The recognition of Santa, the excitement of unwrapping presents, and the anticipation of the Farmers Santa Parade all contribute to an unforgettable holiday season for Papas and her family.

Traditions play a central role in creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of belonging. They provide a thread that connects us to our past and anchors us in the present. Whether it’s attending an annual parade, writing notes to our future selves, or engaging in simple activities like strawberry picking, these traditions hold immense power.

The Santa Parade exemplifies the magic of Christmas by bringing together communities, young and old, to celebrate and delight in the holiday spirit. The parade’s evolution over the years reflects the changing times while preserving the essence of what makes Christmas special. From horse-drawn floats to contemporary displays, the Farmers Santa Parade continues to captivate hearts with its scale and enchantment.

As we approach the holiday season, let’s embrace the magic and significance of our own traditions. Let’s create moments that will become cherished memories for our loved ones. Whether it’s attending parades, writing annual notes, or engaging in small gestures of kindness, these traditions have the power to transcend the ordinary and make Christmas a truly magical time.

Advice: Embrace the Joy and Create Meaningful Traditions

As the holiday season approaches, take a moment to reflect on the traditions that hold significance for you and your family. Consider starting new traditions that can be continued for years to come. Here are a few suggestions to inspire you:

1. Attend Local Festivities

Explore the parades, festivals, and events happening in your community during the holiday season. Attend these celebrations with your family and immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas.

2. Capture Memories Through Writing

Create a tradition of writing notes to yourself or your loved ones. Reflect on the past year, share your hopes for the future, and seal them away to be opened during next year’s holiday season. Witnessing the evolution of your thoughts and dreams adds a layer of depth to your Christmas celebrations.

3. Engage in Simple Pleasures

Find joy in the little things. Whether it’s baking cookies, decorating your home, or going on a family walk to enjoy the Christmas lights, embrace the simplicity of these activities and create bonds that will last a lifetime.

4. Give Back to Your Community

Find ways to spread kindness and generosity during the holiday season. Volunteer at a local charity, donate to those in need, or perform small acts of kindness for your friends and neighbors. The spirit of giving will fuel the magic of Christmas in your heart.

Remember, the joy of Christmas lies not only in the presents we receive but in the moments we create and the traditions we uphold. Let’s embrace the magic, kindness, and love that Christmas brings and make this holiday season truly unforgettable.