I keep looking forward to the “next stage” and forgetting to soak in the current one. I think “oh next year when they are both in school I will catch up on the journal or the photo books.” And though this may be true of the photo books, I know the memories will fade of my littles by then.
Zach was gone a good bit this month but some how I got all the prep and wrapping done ahead of time. We spent Christmas Eve dinner at my parents house. Mimi made her usual prime rib that Zach hates but is a good sport about. We exchanged gifts for the family and went home early so the kids could get to bed at a normal time.
Madison woke us up at 6:30 beaming with excitement for Christmas. We convinced her to wait just a little closer to 7 before waking up her brother. I want to remember Braden JUMPING out of bed the minute I whispered “Brady, wake up, it’s Christmas”. I want to remember how Madison’s nieve non parent teacher had them write letters to Santa....4 days before Christmas and her wish list changed to a pair of navy blue rollerskates- she had never once mentioned in the months prior. Thank goodness for one day amazon prime!
We drove to my cousin melanies house for dinner and fun that afternoon. My cute kids requested we play Hamilton or Dear Evan Hansen on the way and my musical heart beams with pride as they sing along to all the words.
I want to remember that they were all willing (Zach included) to wear matching family pajamas and let me take a picture, I know one day that won’t be a fight worth fighting.
I want to remember their sweet little smiling faces coming down the stairs because I think this may be the last year that both my kids still believe in Santa. That alone breaks my heart a little. I have loved listening to them whisper to the Elf (Elphaba) all month long and think about their lists. Some parents get overwhelmed by the stupid elf, and although I can see it being a pain sometimes .... we have so few Christmas’s where our kids wholeheartedly believe, I’ll go out of my way to keep that magic alive a little longer.
Their favorite traditions of the season are:
*Lyman family fiesta
*Driving through the Christmas in Color light display
*making and destroying gingerbread houses
*helping me make cinnamon rolls from scratch
*popcorn and Christmas movies
*telling secrets to the elf
* convincing each other they are on the naughty list
This year the day before Christmas Eve we added visiting the indoor pool as a family, which was actually super fun so I hope we do it again.
Zach and I typically go on our “fancy Christmas date” this month too. It started our first year we were married and so broke. We saved our money and went up to Salt Lake to do a session in the temple, see the lights and have a super fancy meal. We continued on with this tradition for years, each time a little different. Last year we were able to spend the night in a hotel and just enjoy some alone time together, with room service. Unfortunately this year it didn’t line up to be able to go out for even a date as Zach was gone almost every weekend in December. We may postpone it till January and do a hotel again if we can find someone to watch the kids.
The kids were completely spoiled. In our house 99% of presents are wrapped, however I don’t really specify which are from Santa and which are from us... but the big things are always from mom and dad. And the only presents under the tree before December 25 are the ones that are going away to other members of the family. I like the “ah ha” factor of everything showing up at the same time, seems more grand that way.
Seems silly I know but it’s just how we’ve decided to do things. It may change over the years as the kids get older but hopefully not too much.
No comments:
Post a Comment