Whew this year really exhausted me! I swear I need to start prepping and wrapping gifts now to get ready for next year. By the time Christmas morning was here, I could barely keep my eyes open. But we did it - and I think it went well. We numbered the presents again this year, which is working for us. Not only slows down the rush, but keeps them opening presents in the order we want, and if they all got the same thing, they open it at the same time.
We did our usual cinnamon buns for breakfast, chinese food for lunch, candy canes on the trees and so much candy all day long. We watched a few movies, stayed in our PJs, and stayed home. The kids were sad there was no snow, but I think that’s going to be a normal thing here on Christmas.
Everyone opened their stockings first, and for the first time it was pretty independent. Occasional calling out when someone opened up something fun, and lots of quiet eating of candy. I think the candy necklaces were a big hit, although super messy and disgusting by the end of the day haha. The kitties also got treats, and E and G were super excited to see they’d gotten a unicorn and a baa baa (which now that I think about it, I haven’t seen in a while. Odds are G has taken it to his room…)
I think we did pretty good with gifts too. There were lots of “LOOK MAMA!” and holding up everything. Anytime a present was a hit, we’d get a “I wanted this my whole life!” which is still my favorite comment, especially on toys they never knew existed. There were a few “He got a bigger one than me!” bits of jealousy here and there - I wish they knew how hard we try to keep everything equal!
F rejected two gifts. The first was a pair of (in my opinion super cute) mittens in her stocking. She threw them and started crying, and didn’t stop until she found another piece of chocolate to eat as she danced on her knees. The other was a stuffed animal which she threw down said “no, don’t want it.” Luckily everything else was a hit, and she played with her toys all day. She was especially excited any time she got something the other two did.
We also did sibling gifts which went over pretty well. They got each other something I never would have bought, and of course turned into instant favorites. The kids picked out snacks for Tom and I at the dollar store. It gave them the opportunity to buy us something, but nothing too random that wouldn’t get used. Tom and I both gave each other slippers, which we somehow opened at the same time, and work bags - which we also opened at the same time.
Overall a peaceful and happy day - what more could you want?
