When I was growing up Christmas was so relaxing.
On Christmas Eve I would go to my Grandpa and Grandma Weber’s house for dinner.
Santa Claus always stopped by for a visit and brought all of us grandkids a present.
And eventually, when I was old enough I was able to partake in the passing around of the “Coffee Can”.
On Christmas morning my parents, brother and I would go to church, come home and open presents, make a huge breakfast, then we would all take a nap before heading to my Grandpa and Grandma Thomure's house.
My Grandpa always had jazzy Christmas music playing in the background and it was so peaceful.
Eventually we all had significant others and started joining in on all of their family traditions as well, but this year things were slightly different.
The coffee can was still passed around at the Weber’s, but somehow I didn’t see it as often as I used to!
And the jazzy Christmas music still played at the Thomure’s, but I didn’t hear it as good as I used to!
No, now we have three toddlers!
As I look back and think of how relaxing I thought Christmas was, our parents are probably laughing.
Christmas was not relaxing for them at all.
When you become a parent Christmas is hectic, busy, chaos, and very very fun!
So although we didn’t see the coffee can quite as often, we got drinks of milk that the boys shared with us from their sippy cups.
And although we no longer get a present from Santa, we get the joy of watching our kids get a gift from Santa.
On Christmas morning we carried on the tradition of a huge breakfast, but instead of a nap we chose to put on snowsuit and go sledding in the back yard.
(After all it’s not always a White Christmas!)
Later at my Grandma’s I hardly heard the jazzy Christmas music.
Instead I heard giggles from all the little ones playing with their new toys!
And so our Christmas traditions remain the same, we just now see them in a completely different perspective!
It may no longer be as relaxing as we once said it was, but we get to see the joy and excitement through our children’s eyes and there is nothing on Earth that is more peaceful than that!
Will
He started walking up to Santa before his name was even called because he saw the other kids getting gifts. He went up and grabbed his gift, but didn't like sitting on his lap.
Max
He grabbed the gift himself also, but didn't like sitting on Santa's lap either.
Levi
He wanted nothing to do with Santa all together. He was tired and done!
Our attempt at a family Christmas photo! This is what our daily lives are like!!!
Christmas morning!
Santa brought some boots!
Will, Max & Levi
A Tickle me Elmo! Dale, Will, Max & Levi
Playing in the snow!
Max
He like the snow as long as Dale or I were close. He has an ear infection and had been very needy!
Will
He was totally into sledding. As soon as he made it down the hill, he started walking back up. He was mad when we made him go inside to warm up. He is our daredevil!
Levi enjoyed it, but preferred to ride with daddy than by himself!
