Christmas 2019

Christmas 2019.  

We had such a great Christmas.  We spent it at home with just our kids (as we've been able to the last few years) and it was perfect.  We spend Christmas Eve with my parents and family and then usually do a day on the weekend before or after with Bryce's parents in Idaho.  That leaves Christmas to spend just as a family and it is my absolute favorite.

 Our kids are still not at ages that they woke up extra early from the anticipation.  No complaints as we all slept until around 8 am.  Peter woke up first around 7:40 am and I had him come snuggle in our bed until Claire woke up around 8.  After Claire woke up we headed out to open presents and see what Santa brought.  Our tradition for gifts is something in each category of: Want, wear, need, read and stocking stuffers.  They ask Santa for one thing they want, then Bryce and I give them their wear, need, read gifts and stocking stuffers. 

This year Claire asked Santa for a real tea set so she could have real tea parties.  "Santa" also included an apron, tablecloth, vase with flowers, juice, and cookies so she could start throwing tea parties right away.  She was so excited about this gift!  For her wear we gave her a cute unicorn pom-pom beanie, her need was a pink bean bag chair (the need category is a bit ambiguous), and her read was a set of Sophie Mouse books.  In her stocking she got a gold heart locket, a microphone, pens, a unicorn notebook, and treats.

Peter asked Santa for a big paw patrol firetruck.  He is still completely enamored with all things paw patrol and every time we went to Target he would beg to go to the toy aisle so he could look at this fire truck.  I'm not a huge fan of big plastic toys, but this one has already gotten so much use I think it was a good choice for him.  He has literally played with it everyday (for long periods of time) since he got it.  For his wear we gave him a moose pom-pom beanie, his need was a bean bag chair, and he got the book Trucker and Train.  In his stocking he got a paw patrol watch, mini paw patrol cars, paw patrol notebook, pens and treats.  

Having a fancy tea party with Claire's new tea set and accessories. 
Bryce and I got new luggage this year for our want category.  Bryce's wear was a puffer vest, his need was some kind of digital angle measure tool thing(?), and his read was a set of The Chronicles of Narnia (I found for a steal on eBay).

My want as mentioned earlier was a new suitcase.  My wear was a white ruffly J crew button down (so pretty), need was a new Rifle Paper Calendar, and read was the illustrated Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.  I also got a cute insulated cup in my stocking (also from Rifle Paper Co).

We ate homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast mid-morning then read a few of the kids new books (from us and ones they received from grandparents).  Then after opening presents, having a tea party, and playing with new toys (which lasted until afternoon) we watched Elf together and ate snacks + Christmas treats.  We usually take the kids sledding but we did not have enough snow on Christmas Day for sledding this year.  Bryce and I made dinner (Spiral honey-glazed ham, funeral potatoes, parmesan-bacon Brussel sprouts, and salad) while the kids played.  After dinner we drove around to look at Christmas lights and listen to Christmas music.  Peter fell asleep on the drive and Claire was almost asleep too so we headed home and put both kids to bed by 7:30.  After the kids went to bed Bryce and I finally started the Mandalorian.  It was a pretty perfect Christmas!