Christmas 2021 was perfect…from the time leading up to it all through Christmas Day. The girls’ created their wish lists for Santa; many of the items on their lists truly warmed my heart….notably a baby brother, a fun Christmas, a snow globe of Simone Biles with Avery standing next to her holding a gold medal, and a visit from Larissa.
With our new renovation, we decorated many of our open shelves with Hanukkah and Christmas décor and our new space felt cozy and inviting. Our tree found a new home in the corner of our living room and it really felt like things were coming together.
Noah and Elias spent the night one Saturday and the kids wore their Christmas jammies.
The girls and Noah made gingerbread houses later in the weekend. A mini house for each of them.
Lauren, Gabriel, Justin, and I had an adult dinner at Clarity.
The evening of the 23rd, my parents treated us all to Meadowlark Winter Walks of Lights. We hadn’t been since December 2013, when Avery and Emerson were two and Lauren and Gabriel were with us.
Christmas Eve Day the girls made snickerdoodle cookies for Santa.
We had intended to go to church finally for Christmas Eve; however, a spike in the COVID omicron variant had us being cautious and we decided to watch the church service at home as a family.
There was a debate regarding where we should get take-out from for Christmas Eve dinner. Should we give PF Changs a try again or go with Mama Tigre? In the end, Mama Tigre was the winner with us realizing that traditions were more about being with family than the actual food we ate. The food didn’t disappoint. Everyone chose what they wanted; our bellies and hearts were full.
Christmas Eve Noah spent the night. The kids went to bed after 10:00 and eagerly awaited Santa’s arrival.
A little before 8:00, all the kids were up and ready to see if Santa delivered! And boy did Santa deliver! The kids patiently took a few pictures at the top of the stairs.
Then they made the great escape down the stairs to the new area Santa placed the goodies. Avery was ecstatic about her elephant, Emerson ecstatic about a new IPAD, as well as Harper. Noah was fascinated with his transformers!
Santa wrapped some presents while leaving some exposed. The girls and Noah selected a few to unwrap before breakfast.
Breakfast consisted of a sausage, mushroom, and spinach strata; orange scones; bacon; and fresh fruit.
Santa present and stocking opening continued after breakfast. Santa also got Avery a koala, a ton of pop-its and simple dimples, a book, and a mermaid blanket. Santa also got Harper an ice cream parlor play-do set and play-do, pop-its, a simple dimple, and a book. Santa also got Emerson a personally engraved jewelry box, earrings, weighted softballs, and a book. Noah’s gifts from Santa also included some pajamas, candy, and a few pop-its. Santa also got all three girls sour candy and cotton candy!
Stockings contained a mix of candy, dental related items, and toys.
After what felt like opening presents for hours, we took a break and went for a walk outside. Noah was on his scooter, which he rides so well. The weather was unseasonably warm and beautiful! We picked up Lauren, Gabriel, and Elias from the bike path and they joined us for the afternoon. We enjoyed some down time and yes, more opening of presents. We got the girls a Nintendo Switch, an item they had been asking for a long time, and one they probably did not think we would get…they were some happy screams opening it. We talked to Ludmila and Karolin and played phone tag with Larissa!
My parents came over about 5:00 and the dinner preparations began. For appetizer, we had a small charcuterie board and broiled feta with tomatoes.
Dinner was a joint effort with myself, Gabriel, and Justin as chefs. We feasted upon beef tenderloin, Maryland crab cakes, rosemary roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, and a kale salad.
Perhaps better than the amazingly delicious food was the people. We toasted to what has been a heartful two weeks of family events and time together. My heart signified pure happiness.
After dinner we opened even more presents…presents to and from one another and at 9:00 pm, we had been opening presents for over 13 hours, which is crazy especially considering we didn’t feel like presents were all that excessive.
Once Christmas was over, Noah spent the time several more times, totaling at least five or six. Elias joined in one of the nights as well. I had planned on having him again; however, the snow altered those plans.
Christmas Day and Christmas season did not disappoint. We all felt truly blessed.