Christmas this year was my favorite so far. I don't say that every year. I just feel like this year was the most peaceful one we've had. I know some of my family said it didn't feel like Christmas, so I don't know! I thought it was so nice, and so relaxing! Especially after all the running around for the twins' birthday, and all the events leading up to the holiday.
When Dustin and I first got married, we had four stops to make on Christmas day. It was hectic, and left me in tears on more than one occasion. I knew I wanted change, but you can't just turn the whole holiday upside in one year. We began by celebrating Christmas with his grandma on a day other than Christmas. It worked out great because we got her to ourselves instead of sharing her attention with everyone that day.
Then, my Mom decided we should try doing Christmas with her another time as well, so we wouldn't be so rushed. We all agreed we liked that better too, so that's how we've done it since.
Ever since having kids, we've had just 2 stops to make on Christmas day. We would always see my grandparents in the morning, my Dad at night. It was fine, but two trips to my hometown in one day was just one too many, we felt. It made the day seem so rushed still. Last year I decided we'd just get to my grandma's when we got there. This year, I decided to change even more. We decided to wait and go later in the day, and make one trip for both visits. It just made much more sense. So, this year we woke up on Christmas morning and we were not rushed AT ALL! It was so nice, and so special to have our own family time together for the holiday. I can see us transitioning into making traditions for our little family of 5. The kids did not wake up early, which surprised me. We were up before them and well rested!
Then, they did not tear into their gifts at all. They took their time opening and enjoying each one.
I set out a breakfast/lunch of all the leftover finger foods I'd made to take to the various holiday gatherings and the birthday brunch so we just ate when we wanted to. That worked great too.
We took our time getting showers and getting ready to head to my grandparents' house.
We enjoyed visiting with them a while, then headed to my Dad's. What I didn't realize is that even though we didn't do as much travelling around, the kids were still tired and pretty much DONE with the whole holiday thing by the time we got to Dad's. This resulted in quite a few meltdowns.
Who knew a Jake and the Neverland Pirates Tiki Hideaway toy would bring out the inner devil in my children. I've never seen a fight like we had once they opened this toy that was to be shared by all 3. I honestly didn't see that one coming, and I don't think Meme did either! At least she knew it was something they would love, for sure.
Here are a few pics from the day. Some have asked me if I take pictures just for the blog, since I don't put the kids faces on there. Actually, I usually don't. I just always end up with a few blocked shots that work! I really prefer action shots to the staged ones anyway, so it works out that I usually have a few to use.
One of Henry's most favorite things-a Thomas the Train take and play set. I found this at the semi-annual consignment sale for around $5. I bought a few trains at the regular consignment shop for $8, and called it a gift! He loved it! It is the perfect size for him to play with, and I love how it holds all the pieces together. I looked online and the little house/track part retails for around $65! I love finding bargains! It was in great shape.
Carson's helicopter. It goes with his Imaginext City Rescue Center. That was his main gift.
Emilynn's dollhouse. This is the Fisher Price Loving Family one. It was a clearance find and actually the boys even love playing with it too. I didn't tell you that though! :-) We already had most of the furniture from last year, when she got my old dollhouse for Christmas with the furniture. She was not impressed with my old dollhouse, and I have to admit, it wasn't that fun to play with because of the way it was made. It wasn't as kid-friendly and more for older kids. I thought it would be a sentimental thing...I was wrong. I put it up, and she got this one this year. Much better.
And yes, she's taken off her jammies. Sigh....I don't know why my kids do this all the time!
The Big Wheels! My grandma bought 6 of these! Each great-grandchild except Baby Landon has their very own, with their name on it. They all love riding things around my grandma's deck, but there's always been drama because there wasn't enough ridey things. Then, we all found more ridey things at yard sales and Goodwill. Then there were fights because they were different.
Now, no fights! All are the same except Emilynn and Morgan's are pink.
The neat thing is my sister, my cousins, and I had the same big wheels at my grandma's house when we were little.
Another thing I loved about the holiday was that no one went overboard on gifts this year. Santa didn't, grandparents didn't, it was nice. And we still have too much!
I hope next year to do even less.
The kids got some really useful non-toy things too, like sleeping bags and flashlights from my mom, bean bags to watch t.v. on from my dad & co., the big wheels that stay at my grandma's house-not ours, books, clothes, and money.
We also got Carson a Bible, because he wanted one (Emilynn already has one from her Veggie Tales visit), Henry got a "Baby Henry" doll because the twins each have one that looks like them. Baby Henry is an American Girl Bitty Twin that is like Henry-blonde hair, blue eyes. So cute and he loves it. Yes, I got my son a doll. I don't think it's a huge deal. He likes to push him around, and he's practicing to be a good Daddy we say! He also got a John Deere apron I had a lady make him for me, because Carson and Emilynn have one as well, and they all love to help me in the kitchen.
The twins got new bathing suits and dive sticks for the Y-all were on clearance at the end of the season, and that was about it other than little things here and there.
It was such a nice holiday that focused more on Jesus' birthday than presents I think! As it should!
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