St. Nick's Christmas Store Englewood, CO. I lean into the backseat of my car and start to unbuckle the straps on Mia's car seat. When I lift her out of the car her eyes immediately go to the snow covered spruce trees with big red ornaments on them. We walk to the stores entrance, when I open the door she doesn't hesitate to go in. We've been here before and Mia remembers that this store is wall to wall Christmas trees fully decorated with ornaments, lights and garland.

My favorite part of the store are the ornaments. Mia sits herself next to a miniature tree and pinches one of the red lights. She's entertained but is also being patient. She wants to go downstairs, where all the big trees are.

When I finally finish picking out our annual ornaments we go downstairs. She can hardly wait. She beats me to the bottom. Theres a little cove that only a three year old could fit in. She goes in and sits with her legs crossed, surrounded by twinkle lights and pine. Christmas is the perfect marriage of two of Mia's favorite things, lights and plants.

"OooooOoooooO" she starts cooing. The sound of utter tranquility. She pinches at the lights and lightly pets the prickly tree, She also starts clicking her tongue. It's not a sound I hear often, but she makes it when she is content in an activity.

We finish our visit by looking at the snow villages. Her favorite is a display that features a flying sleigh and a miniature couple ice skating on a pond. We stand there, staring at the scene for about five minutes before I've had enough. "Ok Mia let's go". She looks up, acknowedging that I've said words to her but she doesn't move. We stand for another minute. "Come on Mia" again no movement. After two more tries, she finally budges. She walks out happy, I'm sure we'll be back before Christmas comes.