Christmas

I really enjoyed our Christmas this year. SylRafa aren't quite old enough to totally get it--my secret Santa recipient was Gong-Gong, so when it arrived at the house, I told them it was a gift for Gong-Gong. When we left for Oma and Gong-Gong's house, we told SylRafa that we were going to open gifts and they responded with "for Gong-Gong!" But, they definitely enjoyed the celebration. In part because they got to spend it with us and family. Christmas Eve is the day my family gets together. We had Christmas lunch and our gift exchange and went to church. We went to the service geared towards kids in which they tell us to expect lots of noise and not to worry about the squirming and the squealing. Which was perfect for SylRafa's first worship service. They did pretty well, but wanted to stand on our laps to see, didn't sit still for more than about 5 minutes, and generally were just 2-year olds. They didn't make much noise, though, as if they knew they shouldn't. They enjoyed the video about baby Jesus' birth and watched the band during the music.



Oma and Gong-Gong babysat the kiddos while D and I went back to church to sing in one of the candlelight services. We really enjoyed that and are grateful that they gave us the opportunity to sing again.

Christmas morning was very relaxed with Oma and Gong-Gong and because of their help, D and I got to get some extra Zs. That was probably the best Christmas gift we could have asked for! As we opened a few more gifts, Sylvia asked me where her cousins were, since they had been at Oma and Gong-Gong's house for the Christmas Eve gift opening. I'm grateful that we get to spend so much time with family to create these memories and bonds.

I asked Oma what they would traditionally do on Christmas Day and she said that they would generally go for a walk in the country. So, another tradition has begun (except that since SylRafa napped late, we just walked from the house to the neighborhood park).

We topped off the day with Christmas cookies with sprinkles.










As much as the kids loved them, they wanted to be sure that Mami y Papi also each got one complete with 'colors'. I will hold that sweetness in my heart that on Christmas they are embracing generosity and giving. Like the wise men.

Soon, we'll get to do Christmas all over again with D's family to create more Christmas memories and traditions and sweet little moments.