"When Santa comes we’ll get lots of candy!" James and Thomas proclaimed between bounces at my toes one day last December.

They had no idea! It never even occurred to them to consider the possibility that all of those festively wrapped presents were for them. Meanwhile, other fixings were in the works.

Santa-capped, muscle-bound Daddy brought the trees (yes, we have several) in from the garage to don the outer perimeters of our home with decorations sure to say – no, scream – "It’s Christmastime!" to all passersby. I filled the house with the smell of apple butter and sweet potato pies, roasting ham and turkey and fixings throughout – Kentucky style, which is my heritage.

For the years we were married before the children’s arrival into our lives, it was truly special. But now, something magical accompanies these efforts. It is the irreducible wonderment that only children can bring. Add to that the fact that these children had never opened one Christmas present – or even expected one – their entire lives, and you see parents on giving overload.

That’s right, folks. We’re making up for their first years when all they received was candy. Can you say, "Spoiled kids"? Yeah, ‘fraid so. That’s our goal. Who can blame us?

Another part of Christmas they had missed included their own Ukrainian heritage. It seems that the people of borscht and bread are rich with holiday traditions that are shared in families there. The legend of the spider’s Christmas tree, the Feast of St. Nicholas and drool-worthy desserts are among the traditions of their heritage. We incorporated these into our holidays. These boys are, after all, contributing members of our family. And we accept their beautiful heritage as we embrace them fully as our own sons.

"So what IS an American Christmas?" one might ask. I’d have to say that in all probability it includes something of a Judeao-Christian influence, secular commercialism and the implementation of other national traditions. Of all the countries of the world, America stands tallest in our openness toward others. We keep our "’Twas the Night Before Christmas," Max Lucado’s "The Heart of Christmas" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Suess. Even though our boys have never experienced their own inheritance of the holidays, they deserve them just the same. And, of course, it is fitting for them to be taught those traditions by us, their parents.

It is also fitting for them to teach their parents about the Christmas spirit, which exists beyond the seasonal sights and smells – to allow the heart to become engaged in the meaningfulness inherent in belonging together. As their eyes glow with excitement, ours fill with tears of thankfulness that the star of Christmas has glowed once again. This year it finds not only wise men at the manger adoring a baby king, but it also finds us for the second time, looking in on two angels in bunk beds.