So, there wasn't really anything dramatic that happened on the morning after Christmas, but I wanted to tempt your appetites. So sue me for false advertising. (Um, actually don't. That would really put a damper on our whole year.)
So, yeah...Christmas Eve.
Before I begin, let me tell you about what some wonderful people did for us.
They gave us 12 Days of Christmas. They left gifts on our doorstep, knocked, and ran away before we could profusely thank them. A sampling of their gifts included, a HUGE poinsettia; delicious hot chocolate and marshmallows; a gigantic container of gold fish; gourmet popcorn, 2 liters of Sprite, and a movie; candy canes and a book; Peppermint ice cream; egg nog and egg nog ice cream bars; a turkey and a huge bag of potatoes; and a box full of musical instrument toys for the kids, a container full of coloring supplies, and a movie gift certificate for Ben and me.
This act of service often left me in tears during that time and very full of gratitude for our unknown benefactors. If you are reading this: THANK YOU!!!
On Christmas Eve, Ben cleaned and organized the house while I entertained the kids.
His efforts have continued to pay off as we now have more space in our living room.
Ben then used the turkey and potatoes from our benefactors and made a delicious Christmas Eve feast. If you didn't know, Ben is the real chef in our house. My cooking is mediocre though Ben appreciates my attempts in the kitchen. (Even when it does lead to charcoaled outcomes.)
After dinner, we were finally able to put our tree up! It was beautiful and decorated with 8 ornaments, I think. I liked the bare branches--it kept everything mellow.
It was around this time that we opened up the door and found the 12th day of Christmas: the toys and other items waiting on the doorsteps. We were so overwhelmed by their generosity that we just stared at each other. Then we let the kids open the gifts and had fun playing with them.
We tried tempting Andrew to walk for the camera, but he decided against it.
Nah, he waited until the camera was put away before taking his steps. The little rascal.
After that, we went over to my aunt's house for a brief Christmas eve program. Once it was over, we came home and collapsed into bed.
The next morning, we fed the kids breakfast then ushered them into the living room to help them open the gifts from their grandparents.
They loved ripping the wrapping paper off. (It might have been their favorite part.)
The matching dolls from Nema? Perfect. (Emily carries all of them with her still. It's really cute.)
The books and puzzles are a great addition to our growing library!
The kids have worn the clothes many times since Christmas. They love how warm the fleece is!
Ben even snapped a few photos of me with the kids!
We spent the rest of Christmas lounging around and listening to Christmas music. Then the kids and I bid Ben farewell as he left for work.
After Christmas, (as in the next week), Ben and I picked up the bigger gifts. Andrew (finally) got a new, big boy, car seat. Emily got a bed. Ben and I got a vacuum and organizing shelves. These gifts aren't nearly as exciting as toys, but they were a big priority on our list.
We feel so hugely blessed by the generosity of our families! Thank you all so much!
Christmas was wonderful.
4 comments:
Happy New Year, all! We love you!!
Gampa and Nananan
What a fun and memorable Christmas! Hope all is well with your beautiful family.
I love all the pictures! So fun!
Glad you had a wonderful Christmas! And, how neat that you were the recipients of the 12 Days. I'm sure it was a Christmas you'll never forget. :)
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