Christmas

Okay, I deleted my last post because it was dumb and bugging me and totally did not do justice to Christmas which is only one of the greatest days of the year, so here goes try #2.

This was my first Christmas without having any family around. I felt so overwhelmed by my great luck to have my own little family that I was blessed not to miss those who were far away too much. Today, though, I find myself wishing they all were a little closer!

Maggie was TERRIFIED of Santa all season. I didn't push the issue much. I figured it was a good opportunity to focus on the more meaningful parts of Christmas. Still, even on Christmas Eve, Maggie remained in denial that Santa was coming. She kept emphatically saying, "Santa is NOT coming." I explained that he would be really sneaky while she was sleeping and that she would not even have to see him. On Christmas morning she woke us up by walking into our bedroom carrying her stocking--half as big as she is-- and said with wide eyes, "Santa put presents in my stocking!" I think her feelings toward the jolly old man have been a little warmer ever since. 

Christmas Day was so fun. Maggie opened nearly every present given to any of the four of us. Because she thoroughly enjoyed each gift before moving on, the whole process took about 10 hours. We enjoyed ooey-gooey pull-aparts for breakfast as I have for every Christmas I can remember.  I love my little family. I feel so blessed to have such a loving, kind husband and two beautiful children. During a season which reminds me about how blessed I am, I hope that I will help my children learn that giving is greater than receiving.