More Christmas Fun

As a relatively young family, we are still trying to create our holiday traditions.  I always have a picture in my mind of how things should be, but the reality isn't quite so idyllic.  For example, the yearly reading of the Christmas story punctuated by songs and carols just didn't turn out so well this time around.  Everyone was too tired, sugar-loaded, excited, or all of the above, but every song ended up in screaming and tears.  So, we all sat quietly and listened to Clayton read Luke 2.  Then, we went to bed.  I was sad that music was not more involved, but next year will be a new year.  

We did have some successes, though.  We did the chocolate candy advents, and I added the Christmas-book-a-day advent as well.  This was quite a favorite with my book-loving kids.  They were so excited to open a new one every day.  In fact, they often forgot about the chocolate, but never forgot to open a book.  We sang carols around the piano several times during the month, made goodies for friends and neighbors, made gingerbread houses, and the kids each made a present for each other.  We had Christmas Eve pajamas, along with the viewing of several of our favorite Christmas movies.  The kids watched Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, 'Tis the Season to be Smurfy, Mickey's Christmas Carol, and Joy to the World.  Clayton and I watched It's a Wonderful Life after the kids went to bed Christmas Eve.  This year, the kids also watched a video of Clayton's mom reading The Night Before Christmas to them before they went to bed Christmas Eve.  They loved it and watched it several times.  I loved that she made the video for them, as we don't get to see her and Bryce nearly as often as we would like.  I love for my kids to have a good relationship with their grandparents.

Even though it was our smallest Christmas ever monetarily, I would say it was a big success.   We all still felt spoiled and loved.  I was a little bit worried that the kids would be disappointed without the big ticket items they wanted, but everyone was happy on Christmas Day.  We also received lots of fabulous presents from family members.  Here is a quick list of our favorite things:

Clayton:  I'm not sure what his favorite was, but I think it was probably his new coat from his parents.  He also laughs every time the topic of his new jammer comes up!

Aimee:  I was spoiled rotten and loved everything, but I think my favorite present was the Kindle Touch Clayton's parents gave to me.  I had no idea I would love a Kindle so much!

Luke:  Luke was most excited about his new Lego sets and Super Mario Brothers pajamas.  I was proud of him that he didn't even mention the Wii controller that he didn't receive.  He was also SUPER excited that my parents paid for him and Audrey to continue their much-loved swimming lessons at Goldfish Swim School.

Audrey:  Her favorite presents were her portable c.d. player with c.d. collection and her bag of flavored chapstick.  She carries both around with her everywhere, singing and dancing with shiny lips!

Max: He didn't really know what was going on for most of Christmas, but he loved running around playing with and messing up everyone's stuff.   We mostly gave him diapers and recycled toys from the basement that the older kids had outgrown, but he loved it all.  I think his favorite is the big car garage and little cars.

After opening presents on Christmas Day, we went to church and then home to cook some good food.  We met with several friends for a Christmas dinner with tons of food, friends, and fun.  Our best gift of all is celebrating the birth of our Savior and remembering his sacrifice for us, and we are so thankful for this special time of year.  

We definitely had a Merry Little Christmas, and we hope you all did the same!