The culmination of hours of practice on Monday and Wednesday nights over the past few weeks paid off for your holiday dance recital.
You advanced from performing just one number last recital to three this time and even delivered some storylines for an interlude skit. That’s a lot of choreography to memorize! It was also more rewarding for your family audience, including grandparents, who had to sit through a lot of other kids' dances as we waited for yours—and waited some more after for the program to conclude. This time, it felt like we saw you every two or three dances.
Your first dance was ballet to the Bing Crosby classic “Mele Kalikimaka,” followed by a hip-hop dance to “Just Got Paid” by *NSYNC (your favorite dance and Mom’s favorite because of *NSYNC), and finally, a jazz dance to “Like It’s Christmas” by the Jonas Brothers.
You had great stage presence and confidence all night. You danced gracefully, with strong movements and an easy smile. You said you got a little nervous waiting for your dances but felt fine once you were on stage. That’s how these things work: all the anxiety and anticipation leading up to your big moment (expressed in small fits of rage at home the week before the recital—we could tell), and then enjoying the performance and the audience’s reception.
After receiving all the flowers and taking photos with family, we jumped in the car the next morning to drive up to Whistler for some pre-Christmas skiing and to celebrate Uncle Scott’s birthday. We stayed at the fancy Westin resort, thanks to your old man’s Marriott points accumulation. You and Matteo enjoyed the heated pool as soon as we arrived, and you spent many cozy hours on the fold-out couch watching movies in between our ski outings.
Because of the recital timing, we missed skiing with friends but got to ski a lot as a family, which we tend to prefer anyway. The timing worked out fantastically because, by skiing later in the weekend, we missed the rain and enjoyed much better weather and snow than our friends did.
On the way back from Whistler, we stopped at Aunt Nina and Uncle Jeff’s house for Christmas with cousins, Nonno, and Julie. You opened a Magic Mixie crystal ball that you couldn’t wait to try and perform the magical spell, eager to see what stuffy reward would pop up.
Your Mom and I are holding on to what we know are the scarce years left of wondrous, magical Christmases. You and Matteo still run each morning trying to find your elves, Tinsel, Elfie, and Tiny. You’re still full of excitement for Christmas Day, eager to see what Santa will bring. Trust that he’ll deliver, and keep that big Christmas spirit in your heart long after you’re in on Santa’s secrets.
Love,
Dad