2nd Christmas * New Year's Day

On Christmas day, I visit each  one of my kids and their family.  I love to see the different ways they each decorate their houses for Christmas and how they celebrate the day.  The best part of course is the "Christmas Day" excitement on the faces of all of the grandkids.  

I think in this era, there are more likely to be vision of iPhones, Rocksmith, and video games dancing in their heads than sugar plums.  The details are dated, but the premise lives on.

On the Sunday after Christmas, all of the kids and grandkids come to our house to celebrate a family Christmas with lots of love, food and of course, more presents.

This year (for some strange and unknown reason) I decided to make pillows for each child and a Love pillow for each family.

This is how it looked when they arrived - with the presents (and pillows) under the tree...

I try hard to listen to each child throughout the year - to know who they are - what makes them so unique (and, of course, they all are) - and of course to listen to parental suggestions.

This year I hit a couple of home runs, which is always so much fun!  There's no way to say which reaction made me the happiest.  It was just a happy, happy day, so I guess I'll do this in order of age.

13-year-old Gregory said that he wanted a top hat (much to the surprise of many), but it seemed perfect for Gregory, so I found a really nice one (complete with feather).  To see a 13-year-old light up with excitement is a rare treat indeed and one that I'll cherish forever.  What do you think?  Perfect?? (Oh yeah... the sweatshirt was a hit, too!)

Then there was 6-year-old Mr. Bryce, who only wanted 5 things for Christmas, one of which was a new chair.  He had an old red, plastic chair that he loved so well and so long that if finally cracked.  There was no new chair for him at his house on Christmas and so he was hoping with all his might for one yesterday.  He was not disappointed!  (He added a blanket upon his arrival at home)

Which leads us to 4 1/2 year-old-kate - not quite 5, but SURELY not just 4! (She will be sure to tell you!) Kate said she wanted drums.  I think she was inspired by the Fresh Beats.  ANYWAY, this girliest of girls spent the day channeling Carl Palmer (Okay.. I'm showing my age.  Sue me!) with a sparkly pink drum set, just perfect for an aspiring rock star.  (Go Gos? Bangles, anyone?  Yes, I'm still old!)

Don't get me wrong,  I don't think anyone was unhappy or disappointed.  Those were just the I-got-exactly-what-I-wanted presents.

Alex (who is 11) got a month's worth of drum lessons (His parents will pick those up after the first month) which he has  been asking for, but can't be all that exciting written on a piece of paper.  Next Friday, he'll be WAY excited!  :-)   He also loved spending time with his cousins. I love the look on Alex's face in this one with Brynn.  Alex is such a tender, kind, child.

Next is Matthew, who is 6 years old. Matthew is a perpetual motion machine. It's hard to get a picture of Matthew that isn't blurry. Got him!  So serious in this one!

And last but not least, Brynn, 18 months old and as beautiful as Christmas.  Brynn loved the boxes, doll babies, and all of Kate's presents (which she shared with me - one at a time).  She also got a set of drums (thanks to her thoughtful dad, who supplied me with the gift) and a Trunki (chosen by Uncle Scott), which she rode around all day.

Brynn also loved tearing off the Christmas wrapping paper (which she then threw over her head behind her).  "Opie!  Opie!"  she offered enthusiastically for anyone who would let her "help" open their gifts.  She also loved climbing on the folding chairs and being held by her Uncle Scott.

And this... is a Trunki...

One more picture - with pillows before everyone left...

What an amazing day and the BEST way to start the new year!

My life is blessed beyond measure! 

Happy New Year!!!