Christmas 2011

This is only the second time in my (10 year) marriage that we have not traveled over Christmas. The first time was when I was pregnant with Nora. It was SO nice to be able to be at home during this busy time.

Ok here it is confession time! I said that I was not going to ever lead my kids to believe in santa. I truly want them to know the real meaning of Christmas. I never thought my kids would make it so hard! Nora wants to believe in santa so bad and I have told her (yes I have) that santa is pretend. I told her that santa is just something that people do for fun, but that we can have fun and play along. Then I realized that she really wants that "magic" of santa. So I went against what I had said and played along! If I was going to do it I needed to do it all out. First thing I did was put flour on some boots and stomp them across our wood floors to show santa had come throughout the kitchen. Then I wrote each of the kids a letter (each was just a little different) here is the one to Nora.

Oh my word was Nora amazed! Molly was still asleep and Nora made her put a blanket over her head to come down the steps so she would be surprised. It was a lot of fun to see them so excited and have that magic. We talked before opening gifts about why we have gifts and what the day is supposed to be about-Jesus.

Here is a photo of the kids before we let them open gifts.

We had such a fun morning just hanging out with out family. Later that afternoon we went over to Brian's parents for a late lunch and stayed until bedtime. We are so lucky to be blessed this Christmas season with three wonderful children and a loving family.