Christmas seemed to sneak up way too soon this year, did it not? One moment, it's Thanksgiving, and the next, it's Christmas. Just in the snap of a finger. I don't feel like I was completely ready, but as we gathered around to enjoy one another's company and celebrate the gift of Christ, I certainly had plenty of reasons not to care about the little things that might have fallen to the wayside.
There were simply too many fun things going on; I tried very hard to embrace the moments before they passed…
On Christmas morning, Max and Maverick awoke to a bounty of gifts from Santa. I since have had a discussion with Mr. Claus about 'indulgence' and 'enabling.' But he simply shrugged his shoulders, winked at me, and said, "It's Christmas, honey."
There were simply too many fun things going on; I tried very hard to embrace the moments before they passed…
On Christmas morning, Max and Maverick awoke to a bounty of gifts from Santa. I since have had a discussion with Mr. Claus about 'indulgence' and 'enabling.' But he simply shrugged his shoulders, winked at me, and said, "It's Christmas, honey."
Max and Maverick giggled when they realized they had to 'escape' from their rooms Christmas morning, since the Reindeer had put up Christmas Curtains across their doors. They burst through excitedly and peeked over the upstairs balcony to the fireplace below. "It's Christmas," said Max. "And Santa came!"
Max got the "MEGA THUNDERBOW" Nerf shooter that he really wanted, while Maverick got his very own set of Legos. Max also got books, including the complete seven-book Harry Pottery saga - we are going to start reading it together next year. And although Maverick got a few other small things, like a Paw Patrol and his very own set of nerf guns, he was most interested in the treat train... of course. The kid simply can't resist chocolate or trains!
After presents were opened, I set about checking the cinnamon rolls, and making pancakes and quiche. We invited over the family for a brunch and it was a great new tradition.
It wasn't too far into brunch that Max and Maverick started to go on their sugar high. They took some of the chocolate covered pretzels (graciously made and given to me by my assistant, Jan) and acted as though they were cigars. I couldn't help but crack up over this - Max even "ashed" his on this plate and said, "N'yeah, that's the ticket, see?" like some kind of gangster. Honestly, I don't know where he gets some of his material from, but it's hilarious. And he's pretty convincing; Maverick follows his suit almost immediately. I'm so glad they are friends and play together so well.
Later in the afternoon, I cooked up a green bean casserole and sweet potato pies and we hauled ourselves over to Grandma Lois and Granddaddy's home for Christmas dinner. Lois had cooked up an amazing smorgasbord of turkey and dressing and potatoes and quinoa salad -- it was amazing and delicious! My mom and sister, Kara, came along as well to help scarf up the food. I was so happy for Lois and Mike - it was their first year to share Christmas with us in their new home. And I feel really blessed that my family and my in-laws get along so well. It's fun having such a combined family gathering!
After we ate, we sat down together in the living room and passed presents to each other. There were so many fun little moments. Max got $100 from GiGi, and he nearly exploded with excitement. She said it was the highlight of her Christmas to see him get excited. He shouted, "Wow, $100 dollars?!" and then told GiGi exactly what he planned to do with it: "I'm going to go to the Toy-r-us store and buy the ATAT Lego Set!" She said, "Can I come with you?" And Max replied, "But of course, duh!" He's such a ham. And Maverick, true to his nature, lost his mind over a tin of cookies and a music box with a train in it. He's so sweet. I think this was Lois' favorite part - she could have watched him watch that train all day!
RSS Feed
