Christmas Joys

The kids were just beside themselves the few days they were off from school before Christmas. They had trouble behaving at daycare and they really had a hard time containing themselves at home. Fortunately, Santa believes in forgiveness and second chances, and the gifts were all laid out very early Christmas morning. Santa turned in around 4:15 (and had a hard time falling asleep, then woke up every half hour to hour for the next 2 hours), and the kids were awake at 8AM. Well, Charlie woke up at 4 but didn't peek and Marcie woke up at 6, and also didn't peek! The kids did as they were told and waited in a bedroom while I got the video camera set up and the tree lights on. They came into the living room around 8:15, and were delighted with their gifts. Then, the Christmas miracle happened -- they played very well together, looking at each other's toys and then playing Nintendo DS happily and quietly. After awhile, I did hear, "but I didn't get..." and I basically shushed them saying that Santa was quite generous and I had already told them they wouldn't get everything on their lists because the lists were too long and Santa had plenty of other kids to leave gifts for. They went back to playing, and then we packed up and went to my parents around 2. All in all, it was a great day and the kids went to bed so happy that evening. So, did Santa, very relieved that (s)he had survived another year. :)

The next day, as Marcie was looking again at her Baby Alive doll and the accessories, she kept saying, "I must've been really good because Santa left me all this..." and then she pointed to various things. It was so neat to see her the happiness on her little face while saying this. She was thrilled with her "Imagine Babyz" DS game and her other gifts. She quickly went through the Pixos, and had a little difficulty trying to finish one thing before starting the next.

Charlie was quieter about his gifts -- I think he was a little overwhelmed. He loves his Imaginext Dinosaur set, his gumball machine and his new DS game. He also got transformer walkie talkies and it has been funny to watch him try to figure them out.

Kyle was thrilled with his DS and his Handy Manny set. He also got some Bakugan toys that he enjoyed.

Joanna was shocked, I think, to get a DS. She was certain she wouldn't. She also loved her purple jacket and her footie pajamas, which were the only things she could remember that she had put on her list.

They also got some games from Santa and from family, and we are slowly checking those out. Marcie and Joanna got Liv dolls and Maxie girl, and they are studying them. It really is funny to watch them figure out what they are supposed to do with them.

We also talked about the real meaning of Christmas, and the kids are looking forward to their Christmas program at church (postponed from the snowy/icy Sunday until Jan. 3rd). That will extend the Christmas season for them. I'm looking forward to it, too. "Happy Birthday, Jesus" always makes me teary. :)