Christmas morning was the dream I remember as a child. My Dad had taped x-marks on the ground marking where we were supposed to sit so the video camera could film us. This year Greggie had the camera equipment positioned just so placed every child in their designated spot. In so many ways, Greg reminds me of my Dad. Christmas is wonderful but my favorite part is the unveiling of the piles of presents. I remember the first sight of all the presents under the tree all wrapped and colorful and the accompanying rush of excitement I felt.
I believe that is the same for my little ones. They rush down the stairs, turn that last corner, and scream with delight. Then they begin excitedly searching to find THEIR presents, jumping up and down and shaking all of the presents with their name.
This year Trent had all his presents in a giant red wagon so it was easy for him. My kids were seated in front of their pile, ready for their turn. Next is the unwrapping. The mystery of presents is always exciting- the anticipation, the wonder, the possibilities . . .and then . . . the unwrapping! I love the sound of ripping wrapping paper . . . it's like Christmas magic! I have discovered it is just as wonderful to watch my kids open their presents as it was to receive them as a child. There is magic in the giving and receiving.
True to my childhood tradition, the kids opened gifts from youngest to oldest, though once Trent set his eyes on the Red Flyer wagon- he was finished- he had all his heart desired. He was so overwhelmed with all of the possible toys and presents- he just started spinning- and spinning -and spinning round and round. He didn't quite know where to stop or where to begin or what to play with first!
There was a definite Star wars theme for Tyler's presents which satisfied him completely. He was surprised to receive some full-size Star Wars posters which are now framed and hung in his room. He also received the action figures and spaceships needed to complete his pretend play. He is ready to rip off the old wallpaper border and redecorate his room. I have a feeling it will be next week's project. Does anyone know how to make a gas pump dresser into R2D2?
Megan and Kaylee opened 18 inch dolls and outfits for them to wear. Megan also received a giant horse for her cowgirl doll to ride on. We found out that Grandma Langford received a doll every year for Christmas. She smelled the dolls heads just to make sure they still have that same powderey, plastic-y doll scent . . . and thank heaven - they do! She also let it slip that she knew how to make doll clothes. Later that day, her and Kaylee worked together and made both dolls pajamas and had a lovely time. It was Kaylee's first attempt at a sewing machine and she did quite well! The girls have spent quite a bit of time dressing their dolls and doing their hair. They love to wash and dry it and then braid it or put it in curlers. I remember learning how to braid on my Cabbage Patch doll's hair that I received for Christmas one year.
Trent didn't open any more gifts, though he made the rounds and played with everything. He loved his Spiral Speedway, battery powered trains and his wagon, of course. Actually all of the kids have latched onto the wagon and have found a multiplicity of uses for it.
Megan received a plasma car, which is a ride-on toy that moves by wiggling the handles. She rode around inside (it was raining) on her new plasma car and even discovered Trent could tag along on the back. She also received a tea set which she uses to play with her dolls.
Kaylee received some fabric for her long-desired pioneer skirt and somehow we convinced Grandma to help us sew her skirt- which actually turned into a pioneer shirt/dress. With ruffles and ribbon we managed to sew/craft the dress of Kaylee's dreams.
Greg and Tyler spent the bulk of the afternoon assembling a Star Wars Lego spaceship. Tyler organized every lego piece and put them all in separate baggies. The two successfully built another Lego ship. Now if we can just keep Trent from destroying it!
It's a good thing we had Grandma's delicious cinnamon rolls to feast on - they really kept us going through all of the projects.
Christmas this season has been a wonderful experience, just like my happy childhood memories. I've enjoyed the music, the decorations (Greggie did an amazing job covering our house and our neighbor's with beautiful lights), the evenings reading by the fire with the Christmas tree lights and music on, the ease of online shopping (amazon is wonderful!), the Christmas stories (especially Christmas Jars and The Christmas Story) and the company of family and friends. I think taking the tree down will be difficult this year.
