I think what made this Christmas so special was the fact that we didn't put a whole lot of expectations on it. We had decided early this year that we would put more emphasis on birthdays to avoid the frenzied, materialistic-centered Christmas hub-bub. And I think that paid off. We kept the gifts simple this year, and focused more on time together as well as serving those around us.
The girls and I (along with a lot of help from Mark) had another great experience doing Secret Santa for 3 families in our Ward. It was so much fun to gather items donated by ward members, and then actually go and shop for the missing pieces. Wrapping them up, and delivery was the pinnacle for sure. The girls loved it, and I did too. It really warmed our hearts. For Girl Scouts, we made platters of Christmas cookies and big THANK you cards for the Tonica and Lostant Volunteer Fire and EMT departments. When I asked the girls what they loved about Christmas this year, these were some of the things they mentioned. I would have to agree, it really set the tone for our holiday.
We enjoyed Christmas Eve and Day at home with just the 5 of us. Seems pretty simple to some, but it was really nice for us. Nothing really pressing to get to or do, just kind of enjoying the days for what they were. Highlights included staying home, cooking our favorite traditional foods (ham, cheesy potatoes, jello salad, green beans, rolls), watching A Christmas Story, reading the Nativity story out of James, singing some carols, and then finishing the night with The Night Before Christmas. We sprinkled some glittery oats on the lawn for the reindeer, and tucked the girls in for their long winter's nap...
(Parker and Mark just before bedtime on Christmas Eve...)
Sunday morning, we let the girls see what Santa had brought them, but then started getting ready for Church.
(This is the pose we got after asking Parker to "show us your face!!")
After a lovely Sacrament program with beautiful music, and reading selections, we were done!! It was actually the shortest meeting I've ever been to! We got home and made a huge brunch of eggs, bacon, hash browns, fruit salad, and toast. Then we got busy opening our presents. It was nice to be able to take our time and enjoy each gift. That's exactly what Parker wanted to do...she wanted to stop and play with each new toy for awhile before moving onto the next, and luckily she was able to. After we were all done, she and I took a nap while Mark and the girls began to test out some of the new toys and games they received. That evening we enjoyed our traditional Christmas lasagna with salad and bread.
It was really a wonderful Christmas, and we are so grateful for all of our blessings. One of the things I was struck by is that this was the first Christmas since we've been married that we weren't absolutely strapped financially, where we didn't have to strategize our spending down to the very last penny. Mark and I were actually able to buy presents for each other, rather than having to sacrifice that so the kids could have what they wanted. I am grateful for that feeling this year. It was something special and unique, and I recognize that it is a direct blessing from my sweet in-laws who, in their giving way, have helped to ease that burden in our lives. But at the same time, it's because we don't have them anymore that we are able to appreciate this blessing. So it's bittersweet. I do wish they could have celebrated another Christmas with us, but I also recognize that they are still serving us each and every day, in a a way that would make them just as proud. I will never be able to thank them enough.
So with that and the simple, quiet holiday we were able to enjoy I think that 2011 was one of the best Christmas's ever.
Hope yours was merry and bright too!!
