Christmas 2016

As I previously mentioned (many times, I know), December was jam packed. I planned ahead almost zero percent and didn't think about "the next thing" until "the previous thing" was over. (Don't get me wrong, they were all wonderful things and we had a wonderful December and I was not stressed out almost at all, mostly due to my take it as it comes attitude.) But the time Christmas rolled around I was a little surprised to see it! Thankfully it was the absolute perfect Christmas for us. We just relaxed and spent time with family and didn't worry about a single thing. 

We started the festivities in Morgan for Christmas Eve. It was the first year that everyone wasn't there but we had a good time. (Jenna and her family were at home with their new baby Jason, Matthew and Brooklyn were on their honeymoon, and Jacob - of course - is on his mission in Canada.) But Melissa and Blake were still able to make it - and my Grandma and Grandpa Knowles were there for Christmas as well so it was still a full house. 

Christmas Eve is a great time at the Walker home. Christmas Eve Pizza, puzzles, games, Christmas Story, and family. We let the kids open their Christmas Eve present that was a sticker nativity and Nativity coloring book. We also got a Nativity ornament for the tree but forgot to wrap it.  We ended the night with Frappe, the Christmas Nativity movie, and laying out our stockings under the tree. 

I tried to trap Austin behind a present because I wanted a picture of He and Lydia sitting by the tree - smiling. (I know, so much to ask right?) He won that battle when he started unwrapping the presents. But, it worked out in my favor anyway because after I loaded the pictures on the computer I realized that I had captured some really really cute ones! I really love this series of pictures of them by the tree. Also, I'm in love with their Christmas Jammies. Like, I loooooooove them. I don't know that we'll do Christmas Jammies every year - but we might because they are so cute that I just can't resist. (Also, I got them on sale - so... win.) 

We still don't know exactly how we are going to do Santa, but things went well this year. We talked a lot about how Santa loves Jesus so much that he wants to celebrate the gift that Jesus gave to us by giving gifts to others. (Although I felt like a huge liar when she asked me on Christmas Eve where Santa was and I was like "He's flying... in a sleigh.... with some... magic reindeer... you know?" Yeah - not sure how I feel about that. But Lydia was thrilled with her Sled and Hula-hoop, both of which she had decided to ask Santa to bring to her. 

The kids slept pretty decent and although I may have been more excited about Christmas Morning than they were, they got into the excitement pretty quickly though. Lydia was just amazed that we were letting her eat whatever treats she wanted. Austin wasn't sure that he wanted in on any present unwrapping, but he was happy to sit in Lydia's sled and observe everyone else unwrapping their gifts. 

It was a wonderful morning, with much love exchanged with the gifts given and received. Afterwards we took a slow morning just enjoying each others company. Highlights include Lydia taking the bubbly-est bubble bath ever, and Austin playing "Where did it go?" with a ball.

After a while, we packed ourselves up and headed to West Jordan to spend the rest of Christmas with the Peaden family. Once more - the sight of the Peaden Christmas tree decked out is a wonderful sight to behold. It never gets old, never gets less magical. This year Sue used "desserts" as the Christmas gift theme, which was fun and festive. (The majority of the presents get wrapped with the code name so that no one knows which present goes to whom. It's so fun.) Austin got into the unwrapping much more the second time around - but Lydia just wanted to play with her toys - and actually ended up with a pile of unwrapped presents that she opened the next day. Regardless, it was wonderful. Also, I surprised David with a large painting of the Utah State A/Old Main to hang in his new office. (Did we mention? He just got promoted to Manager, complete with his own office. I couldn't be prouder!) I pretty much ignored our budget and just made up my own, but I made it work - (just call me Mrs. Budget Manipulator) and it was SO worth it to see his face. 

I couldn't have asked for a more laid back, happy Christmas day. The perfect, perfect thing for our busy lives. I'm so grateful for this day to come together to celebrate the most important person in our lives: our Savior Jesus Christ. This year we did a Christmas advent-type activity each night in December where we told a story of Jesus's Life, made a small ornament to represent it, then hung the ornament on a little tree in Lydia's room. We missed a few nights but overall I loved the spirit that it brought to our home as we prepared to celebrate Christmas.  

The chorus of a song that I'd never really heard until recently keeps coming to my mind. Its from the song "In the Bleak Mid-Winter". 

What can I give him

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would bring a lamb

If I were a wise man

I would do my part

Yet

What I can I give him

I will give my heart

This echoes the thoughts of my own heart. What can I give to my Savior? How can I possibly show Him my gratitude? I hope my answer will always be "I will give my heart."

David shared a sentiment on Instagram that I would like to add here as well: "I imagine Joseph and Mary may have spent Christmas Eve quite discouraged, but I am certain the Savior helped guide them to the quiet stable. If you feel tired or discouraged, keep moving and the Savior will guide you as well." 

Merry Christmas!