Christmas Moments

On the day after Christmas, I noticed Grant lying on his bed- awake. It was still early and usually when he's awake, he's up, so I went in to say "Good Morning." He gave me a hug and then just sat there for a minute, then said, "I'm a little sad that Christmas is already over." I hugged him and smiled and said I completely understand. I always felt that way when I was a kid, still do in some ways. It wasn't about the presents, it was about the season. Today as I was taking down our tree I started to think of all the things I want to remember about this year's Christmas season.


** The church preschool choir singing "Feliz Navidad" and knowing all the Spanish words. It still makes me smile to think of them singing out with all their hearts.

** Baby Elijah being born safe, healthy, and just on time.

** Christmas movie night- free rentals, sodas, candy, and popcorn supplied by one of my students families. Our family had such a nice time watching the movies together.

** Todd bringing home a surprise Eggnog Latte from Starbucks on Christmas Eve.

** Feeling the baby's first movements during the holiday season- started right after Thanksgiving.

** Crystal's left/right Christmas ornament exchange. I like that so much better than dirty Santa. :)

** Kim's white lasagna

** Our community group Christmas party

** The 12 days of Christmas surprises for Grant. They were just little, but he really enjoyed them. They really helped build the anticipation.

** Baking

** Lots of extra family time

** Watching Todd and Grant up on the roof hanging Christmas lights.

** Playing dominoes with Granny and Poppa

** Being able to talk to my brother in Kuwait on Christmas day

** Another new niece being born safe and healthy.

** Knowing that Grant put in some of his own money to buy one of my gifts because he wanted to get me a bigger gift card. That act of selflessness was the really the best gift a mom could get.

** The time spent pouring over our ornaments, remembering who gave them to us and what was significant about each one when we hung our tree at the beginning of the season.

I'm already looking forward to next year!