First, we usually kick off our Christmas celebration with Black Friday. We don't get too crazy; but, there are some pretty great deals! The Saturday following we go to pick out our Christmas tree. We have been going to the same patch for 10 years (me and my dad, before Heath came along :)). This year was so exciting, being able to take Lucy. We even took a picture as a family in front of Lucy's first Christmas tree!
You may think that a real tree could cause some issues with Lucy; however, it didn't! It was so poky that it would hurt her hands; so, she left it alone! :) Sad.....I know. It only took a couple of pokes though for her to figure it out.
The first weekend in December, we go pick up our tree and decorate. If the weather is nice, Heath will even put up our Christmas lights. We go with simple, white lights for our tree and house.
Throughout the month I wrap presents as they come in from our online orders or shopping ventures. I work on getting our cards out as soon as time permits. And, about a week from Christmas, Lucy got her letter from Santa! I am very excited for the day that Lucy can write him first. :)
On Christmas Eve, we spent the evening as a little family. It was wonderful! We got dressed and ready to go out to eat and then to church.
A Christmas tradition that my family had was to open our stockings (from mom and dad) after church on Christmas Eve. I guess it was something to hold us kids over until morning. Stocking gifts were never big; but, they were still fun. I remember getting new toothbrushes, nail polish, jewelry, candy, gel pens, etc. I cannot wait to do that for Lucy too.
This year she got a plastic snow globe, yogurt bites, a Christmas book, some hair bows, new mittens, colorful socks, an 'L' ornament, leg warmers, and more.
Heath took some pictures of our tree afterward. We sat with Christmas music on, just enjoying the moment. Christmas Eve is always a time when I try to just soak in the moment and be thankful for my many, many blessings.
These were just the gifts for other family members; Santa hadn't visited yet!
We didn't set any cookies or milk out for Santa this year. Lucy doesn't understand yet; so, we will wait until next year. However, that doesn't mean Santa didn't eat some of my homemade peanut butter and chocolate cookies that night. ;)
We didn't set any cookies or milk out for Santa this year. Lucy doesn't understand yet; so, we will wait until next year. However, that doesn't mean Santa didn't eat some of my homemade peanut butter and chocolate cookies that night. ;)
Heath took a snapshot of this ornament too - Lucy's first Christmas ornament.
The next morning, Lucy woke us up bright and early. I cannot wait for the days that she runs into our room. However, her standing in her crib yelling did just fine. :)
Santa had come! He left lots of gifts too (all the green ones).
Lucy and I cuddled to open them.
She loved to open them and actually liked the gift MORE than the wrapping paper! As soon as she would see the toy, she'd start playing with it. Santa was smart though and took all the toys out of the wrappers, undid all the twisty ties, etc., and put the toy back in the box. So, Lucy could start playing with it immediately.
Lucy collected so many toys that we are considering making our basement a playroom, sooner than we originally thought! I cannot even name all the things she got - a rocking horse, tennis shoes, pea coat, a see-n-say, a sled, books, stuffed animals, a horse on wheels, an emergency vehicle, cars, stacking cups, clothes, and the list goes on...
We had seven family Christmases in all! That is what we get for having divorced parents, I guess. So, she made out very well.
The next morning, Lucy woke us up bright and early. I cannot wait for the days that she runs into our room. However, her standing in her crib yelling did just fine. :)
Santa had come! He left lots of gifts too (all the green ones).
Lucy and I cuddled to open them.
She loved to open them and actually liked the gift MORE than the wrapping paper! As soon as she would see the toy, she'd start playing with it. Santa was smart though and took all the toys out of the wrappers, undid all the twisty ties, etc., and put the toy back in the box. So, Lucy could start playing with it immediately.
Lucy collected so many toys that we are considering making our basement a playroom, sooner than we originally thought! I cannot even name all the things she got - a rocking horse, tennis shoes, pea coat, a see-n-say, a sled, books, stuffed animals, a horse on wheels, an emergency vehicle, cars, stacking cups, clothes, and the list goes on...
We had seven family Christmases in all! That is what we get for having divorced parents, I guess. So, she made out very well.
I know that was just a quick overview of what all we do; perhaps next year I won't be as busy in December and will be able to share more along the way. I think so! :) Christmases are going to just get better and better, the older Lucy gets.
Hope you had a great Christmas too. And, here is to 325+ days until it comes again!
I love that you take all the work out of opening presents before hand...very smart! Also, I know exactly what you mean about needing a toy room!! Farris has toys that she has never even played with, and I constantly have to ‘rotate’ toys. I can’t wait to see what you have planned for her first Birthday…Birthday’s are my FAVORITE!!
ReplyDelete