Christmas 2009

Christmas Eve we had an early supper and quickly got things picked up. We really don't have any traditions as we have traveled every other Christmas so the kids didn't have any expectations for Christmas Eve. We turned the tree lights on and lit all the candles. The kids were quite excited to have family devotions by candle light. We had decided that we would let the kids open a couple of presents Christmas Eve but didn't tell them. As a result they were very patient as we sat around the candle lit living room talking and singing. It's a scene that I will hold dearly in my heart. The kids were very surprised when we suggested opening a few presents Christmas.

It ended up being nice spreading out the present opening. Christmas morning the kids woke up and played with the toys they had opened the night before not begging to open presents. And we did open the rest of the presents we we took time to play with each toy instead of continually telling the kids, "no don't open that game, let's keep opening presents." It's a tradition we may keep up.

Zach's Christmas

Baby's First Christmas

And as to be predicted he was more interested in the paper than the presents.

And much to mom's "non" delight this little guy started crawling before Christmas. I thought I had another month left before needing to baby-proof everything, but Zach decided he didn't want to wait any longer to try and catch up to his siblings. His new presents do not keep him occupied. He is a typical 4th child and is not content unless someone is in his face playing with him. Thankfully there are many siblings to fill the job.

We're Ready

It's finally up

It seems I'm a little behind this year. Usually my goal is to have all my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving. This year I didn't even start until after Thanksgiving. We put up the earlier this week and finally last night the kids and I decorated it. So we are enjoying the tree for the 7 days before Christmas.

I started a Christmas tradition a few years ago of collecting Christmas toys. That way when I put up the tree they have things to play with because really kids don't appreciate just looking all the Christmas decorations. Last year we added the fisher price nativity scene. And apparantly the fisher price castle should be sold with it becuase in our house the wise men visit Harod in a pink castle. I think the day before Christmas we'll add the wrapped presents but until then the kids are enjoying the nativity puzzle, books, and blocks which makes for a happy momma.

MERRY CHRISTMAS