Christmas Day

Christmas really was so much fun this year—despite the fact that Hudson was getting molars and had a fever the entire day. Elle really understood all about Christmas and all that it entailed. So much so, that she could not sleep the night before—too excited for Santa’s visit. But even with her lack of sleep, she had a wonderful time participating in everything Christmas. She was up bright and early in the morning—although Hudson beat her by an hour (5:00 to be exact)—and her smile and energy never wavered until she hit the pillow that night. Santa was very generous to her this year (she tried very hard to be extra good) and she got everything she wanted and more. At one point she even said, “Santa gave me things I didn’t even ask for.” It was a good Christmas for Elle.

But poor Hudson did not have his best Christmas. He woke up early, had a fever, took three naps (very unusual, he usually takes one), couldn’t eat (he wanted nothing to do with food), cried most of the time, and he didn’t have the energy to play (not even with his new toys). Poor little guy. No one wants to be sick on Christmas.

But even though Hudson was not feeling well, we still had a wonderful Christmas. There was fun, laughter, family, good food, presents, singing, giving and lots of love. I am grateful for the time I spent with my family. They made Christmas fun and memorable this year.

Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve was full of fun, love, traditions, laughter and joy (basically, we crammed as many Christmassy activities as we could in the twelve or so hours we were awake). There was something for everyone to enjoy. No one’s interests were left out. But I think Elle summed the day up best, when she said: “This was the best day ever!”



We started our day out by checking the mailbox (we were looking for last minute Christmas cards). And good thing we checked, because Santa had mailed Elle a postcard, which told her that she could go to Build-A-Bear and build her Clarice one day early. Elle was thrilled. She could not believe how kind Santa was—he was giving her one of her Christmas wishes a day in advance. So, we headed over to Build-A-Bear, and let Elle create her first Christmas present. She had so much fun stuffing Clarice; giving her a heart; making a wish; cleaning her and hugging her tight. Santa was very wise in deciding to deliver one of Elle’s presents early. She loved it.



Our next stop in our fun-filled day was downstairs. Since Build-A-Bear is located in the upper level of the mall, we took the kids to bottom level to play in the new kid play area. Hudson absolutely loves this place. Everything is just his size, and he does not need help from anyone to play (being independent is very important to him). He went up and down the cute, little tree slide endlessly. He giggled and laughed every time. In fact, he loved it so much, that he did not with to leave. He was not happy at all to be placed back in his stroller, when all he wanted to do was slide. But leave we must, because we had more activities to fit in before Santa came that night.



After the mall, we went and got hot chocolate, and then we went ice skating (this has become one of our family Christmas traditions). Elle, Johnny and Hudson all loved skating (Hudson didn’t actually skate, but he loved how fast his dad went while holding him). It was so much fun, and it really got us into the Christmas spirit. It was cold, there were lights and there was Christmas music playing the entire time. Very festive.



Finally, after our fun outings, we made it home in time to eat dinner, make Santa some cookies, open and dress into our new pajamas and hurry off to bed before Santa came. It truly was a wonderful day; and I am so glad that I was able to spend it with my dear family.



P. S. Elle could not fall asleep tonight. She was so excited for Santa to come. She just sat in her bed beaming with anticipation. Very cute.