There’s only one kid so far in our family Christmas celebrations, but he’s as fun as at least five kids. Are five small children all together on Christmas fun? I wouldn’t know. I’m just guessing. My two-and-a-half year-old-nephew was opening his presents — blocks, a ball, a dump truck, a puzzle — and enjoying them. But the present that made him jump in a circle for thirty seconds, fists pumping the air, yelling “Yay!” was a set of guitar picks and a guitar strap for his kiddie guitar. Later, as he was looking through one of his new books, he found a character with a guitar. “Look mom! He has a guitar strap! Like me!”

He loves him some music. He loves to drum along with songs playing on the CD on his mini drum kit. He plays air guitar if his real one isn’t around, and when he gets bored he will gallop around the living room singing “Make em Laugh” from Singing in the Rain. Other favorites include a praise song from his church and “Hey Mickey,” and he’ll put in the name of whoever he’s singing to. As in, “Hey Auntie, you’re so fine, you blow my mind, hey auntie!”

I’m not musical like that but we found a way to bond over the blocks. I taught him the essential skill of balancing a block on your head, tipping your head forward, and catching the block in your hands before it hits the ground. I don’t know how he’s lived this long without knowing how to do that. Seriously, it’s a good thing I came to visit when I did.