Christmas Day

I could sum up this post simply by using one word to describe our Christmas: Wonderful!

But, my devoted readers know me better than that! I'm too verbose to use just ONE word! I must use a MILLION words!! ;-)

Our Christmas was definitely wonderful. Addison "gets it" more and more each year. As a result, it gets more and more exciting for us to watch it all through her eyes. This year, she didn't quite grasp the "Santa" aspect. She wasn't fond of sitting on his lap but she did manage to carry on a daily conversation with my Santa statue/decoration that sits by the door. Maybe she's just making his acquaintance this year and next year she'll come to love him.

One thing she did catch on to was opening presents. She LOVED it. It didn't hurt that Santa wrapped her presents in Mickey Mouse wrapping paper. The first moment she spied that paper she was shaking the present in excitement and shouting "Mou!! Mou!!" at the top of her lungs. I don't think she even realized a present was in there until we tore the corner. And lets just say, Disney & Sesame Street have trained us well. Addison could have easily shot a commercial for each of them since she was adorned in their clothing, their ornaments were hung on our tree, and 95% of her presents had to do with them. Get 'em while their young right?

Santa was very kind to our family but more than that, it was a great Christmas just spending it with each other and the fun times we had doing so. Throughout the month, we had many special opportunities to reflect on the birth of our Savior and the true meaning of Christmas:

John and I got to see "The King's Singers" in concert for our anniversary. It was a great concert and what made it even greater was that ALL of their songs focused on Christ instead of the commercialization of the holidays.

We also were lucky enough to attend the "Ozark Mormon Chorale" and hear nearby churches (and ours) sing about the Savior. Addison even enjoyed it as she sat so still and drew through most of it (her favorite pastime) and after each musical number she'd set her pen down and join the audience in applause. It was hilarious to watch her.

I won't lie, it is fun to get caught up in the hype of the holidays. Shopping amidst the bustle of the stores, listening to the music, sitting on Santa's lap, wrapping the presents, anticipating their excitement as they open them, etc. BUT, it's sooooo nice to step back from it all and remember Christ and His birth and feel the special spirit that comes with that too.

Merry Christmas 2010!!

Enjoying our Christmas Eve tradition of pajamas. Check-out Addison's favorite gift to date: Elmo slippers. She looks like she's walking on the moon when she wears them. Which is probably why Mommy happily obliges when she wants to put them on daily. :D