This was our first Christmas at home. That's a big deal in my book! We've been tagging along with our family's traditions for almost 30 years, and this year we got to run the show.
To be honest, we did all the same things, but it just felt different. It was quieter, much quieter.... that's not a good thing. Over the past couple weeks I have missed the loud talking, laughing, and occasional arguing that comes with tons of family members crammed in houses. It was just the quiet 6 of us.
6 because my Mom came and spent Christmas weekend with us. It was wonderful having her around.
As far as traditions are concerned, we......
did the usual December movie marathons, watching probably 2 dozen Christmas movies (sometimes twice)
Filled our advent with chocolate (and ate it all by Dec 5th)
We baked cookies, and caramels
Made a gingerbread house (which, as I am writing this now, realize I do not know the whereabouts of)
Went and saw Christmas lights
Told the story of "The Symbols of Christmas"
Wrote letters to Jesus
Ate Italian food Christmas Eve
Ate ham dinner Christmas Day
Acted out the Nativity Scene from the scriptures
Baked and decorated cookies for Santa Clause Christmas Eve night
Read all of our Christmas books (2,3,4 times)
Went to the theater Christmas Day. We saw Gulliver's Travels (we thought it was awful, my own fault for not watching the previews)
Opened one gift (pajamas) Christmas Eve
Came down stairs Christmas morning in order, youngest to oldest (although, Jefferson cheated and went downstairs while we all slept. He woke before the sun did, managed to play with ALL of his presents... and everyone else's, then take a shower and dress himself, before waking us all up........ THAT STINKER!)
As the kids get older, I think it would be fun to add to this list of traditions. Things like... Secret Santa, 12 days of Christmas, caroling, ice skating Christmas Eve, and maybe even hanging our Christmas tree upside-down, ha!
We were able to use the webcam with Ian and Clarissa who are living in England. We opened gifts over the computer and shared the Christmas spirit. I'm so thankful for technology and its ability to bring people together from the furthest distances!!
Christmas morning...
Everyone was happy with their gifts.
Jefferson really got into the giving spirit and surprised us by wrapping up a gift for Grant... his prized treasure case. It was a pretty simple gift, but something that meant a lot to Jefferson, and to give it to his brother really warmed Shawn and my heart. Grant was so excited, he bolted up and attacked Jefferson with a bear hug, almost knocking him over. Luckily, I caught this historic moment with my camera!
We had a truly wonderful Christmas, even if we did miss our families back home. I sure hope everyone had a memorable Christmas wherever, and with whomever you celebrated this year! And I hope the Christmas spirit lingers in all of us past December and for months to come!
ha, I just realized that I am in none of these pictures. I don't get remembered in the family history, yet without me there would be none... go figure!
2 comments:
What you are experiencing is a fact of life - - things CHANGE, as do we. It's best not to expect holidays to remain reminiscent of times past. Always stay in the NOW & you'll never be disappointed. Believe me, I can testify to the challenge of fighting memories of Christmas's past! I'm so grateful to have been a part of your tradition-making & to witness ALL of us, Ian/Clarissa included, sharing in the spirit of this Christmas. Love you all!!
It is so great that I can read about your life this way, complete with pictures! I LOVE Grants jammies, the doll bed, the map of the usa. I love everything you made! Lets be neighbors again! k?
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