Julianna (she’s eight): Daddy, you know how Santa Claus begins giving gifts to some kids before others?
Me: Yeah, Honey, he does. But, it’s October. That doesn’t happen for a few months. But, yes, Christmas Day begins in Australia and Japan first.
J: But, how does a day begin for some people, and for other people, the day starts later?
Me: Well, Honey, the earth spins on its axis. Daytime begins for some people before others.
J: I don’t understand. How can time change? Is NOW different here than somewhere else?
Me: No. Um, well, like I said… the earth rotates on its axis, and then there’s the sun.
J: But, Time starts and goes forward, right? You can’t go back in Time. So, why does Santa give toys to kids in Japan before us?
Me: Uh, a Day is a measure of time. And, the earth spins. There’s an Axis…. Wait.
(Holy CRAP! She’s right. Time. Space. Continuum. Someone help me…)
Me: Well, Einstein said….
J: You lost me.
Me: Yeah, I thought I would. Look, there are Time Zones. And Gravity. And Time. And Black Holes.
J: (blink, blink.)
Me (Jazzing it up!): Science! It’s complicated, Sweety. Love Science!
J: So, do you know what I’m getting before Santa does?
Me: Yeah. Kind of.