Christmas Day.

The anticipation for Christmas Day was at an all-time high this year, something I think I'll be saying every year from here on out. As Brooke has gotten older, she better understands each holiday & the traditions and meaning that come with it. And her excitement rubs off on all of the rest of us, especially her little brother (who doesn't totally get why he's excited but totally doesn't care.)

As I've mentioned in previous years, Santa brings 3 presents for each child in our house (like the 3 gifts the Wise Men brought Baby Jesus.) Brooke had her list for Santa ready in October. She knew exactly what she wanted quite early on. Joe didn't totally understand it; he'd look in a toy catalog and say "I want that and that and that and that..." to everything. Luckily, he's still of the persuadable age so we were able to offer up some ideas that we thought might make it down the chimney in Santa's sack.

On the big day, they both woke up wired! After the traditional shot on the steps, they bounded into the family room to see what treasures Santa had left for them. And they were not disappointed by the display! They quickly ripped through their stockings before taking turns to open their presents. Santa brought Joe a bicycle w/a helmet, a Daniel Tiger tree house, & a train set. Brooke received a bicycle/helmet as well, along with a baby doll & a box of Princess goodies (which included all of the things on her list - Barbies, The Little Mermaid DVD, and a Play-Doh set.)

After a very festive breakfast of snowman donuts & cinnamon rolls, we opened our family gifts from under the tree. The kids were super excited to give each other their gifts. (Each kid took $2 out of their piggy banks and bought 2 presents for their sibling at the dollar store. They got to pick out whatever they thought their sibling would like. It was precious.) And they were just as enthusiastic to pass out their presents for Mom & Dad. I loved seeing the spirit of generosity in such tiny little bodies.

(This picture right here of my two boys? Absolutely adore it.)

 

Though it was a crazy, jam-packed day, we all had such a great Christmas, full of reminders of how blessed we are. I spent much of the day thinking ahead to next year & how different our day will be with 3 little ones to celebrate with. As amazing and magical as this holiday season was, I imagine next year's will trump it. And I can't wait :)