We had quite a merry day celebrating the birth of Christ. The girls woke up and saw they had a gift waiting from Santa (his cookies were eaten and a banana peel left along with a thank you note) and full stockings, and they were all absolutely giddy to finally be able to open their presents. True and Soul got the Monchichis they were asking for, Brave got a mama-made Spider Man doll, and Soul got mama-made present as well. Another present favorite were the disposable cameras in their stockings. They went to town snapping pictures (I can’t wait to get them developed), though I think most of Soul’s are probably of the ceiling and floor since she keeps both eyes closed when taking a picture. They also had some other gifts from friends who sent them treats.
When Ben and I exchanged presents, we didn’t really have anything on our wish list, so it was interesting as to what we would end up gifting each other. I wanted new sweats (I’m so exciting, right?) and he says he just wanted gardening stuff. Funnily enough though, we both ended up gifting each other posters we made for each other. HA! I totally think handmade presents are the best. True even made her own handmade presents for all of us. She wrote me a book, made Ben a flying card, gave Soul a paper airplane, and made Brave a drawn paper fairy doll. Brave made her a paper drawn doll too. These girls are so thoughtfully creative.
For the girls, Santa always sends a community present. Last year was a record player and read along books, and years prior were a toy kitchen, dollhouse, doll crib, basically gifts that they can all share and play together. This year was a box full of dress up clothes for their costume box. I like that Santa wants to encourage sharing and togetherness. He knows what works best for us.
The day was spent watching Christmas movies, toy playing, making gingerbread houses, snacking on a bunch of cookies all day long, and lots of tamale making (Lots!). We also gifted the girls these wooden dolls, so that we could spend part of Christmas day as a family making it together and that’s just what we did. We (well, Glow was napping) all sat around the table painting the dolls together. Ben and I always enjoy making things with the girls and we think the feeling is mutual from them, so I am glad we had this designated project to work on. Holidays are so busy being busy and doing things for the girls that sometimes I think we forget to do things with the girls, so I was glad we were able to do something for and with them. I’m thinking this will be a new tradition in our gift giving for Christmas, so besides their community gift from Santa, one request from us, they will also get something that we can all work on together on Christmas Day.
We also spent some time talking with Grandmama and Auntia Suzi in Texas and went over to my Aunt’s house for dinner. Our typical Christmas was thrown off slightly because my dad was in the hospital getting surgery (thank you to those who prayed for his recovery!), so we didn’t do our traditional Christmas Eve get together with my family, but doing it a few days later was just as good.
I think usually I feel stressed on Christmas trying to get a lot of things done, but I am so glad that we were able to be intentional and make sure we were enjoying the girls. Ben also made sure to read “What God Wants For Christmas” with the girls because we want them to understand and know the reason we celebrate this special day. Besides all these material presents, God also gave us the wonderful gift of his Son and we want our children to share in that joy too. I love them so much and my heart is happy just seeing how thrilled and thankful they are. I hope your Christmas Day was full of lots of joy and merriment as well!
And I’m back in this space for real and this week will be on our holiday recaps and next week it will be back to normal. Hello again friends!!!
What a wonderful christmas you had. We did a few handmade gifts over here too. I believe they are extra special.
Happy new year to you all x
Love how many handmade/small businesses I see here. It is so refreshing to see.
I adore your girls. I have two (Ocean, 3 and Luna, 1) and every time I read your blog my heart aches for two more. Maybe…
You have such a beautiful family and I always enjoy your posts.
Glad that your father is doing better.
I’ll have too keep the community gift idea in mind for when I have little ones of my own.
Happy new year!
“Santa” always gave my brother and I a community present too. Every year we got a new board game to add to our collection and to play with on Christmas day. My parents always encouraged us to play together rather than with “things”. We’re super close now and I’m so grateful to my parents for that. Sounds like your girls will be lifelong friends as well as sisters!
Happy new year to you and your sweet family x
Ha! I asked for new sweats too! And now I have barely taken them off since Christmas…
Looks like you had a lovely Christmas! Happy new year too!
I’ve been wearing sweats pretty much everyday since too! And I ordered more. lol
Yay!! I missed you 🙂
Fun! I love it! Happy new year and also Merry Christmas!
Where did you get the pattern for the Spiderman doll? My daughter would love it, she is a huge Spiderman fan.
Hi Joanna! Unfortunately, i have no pattern for you as I kind of just winged it. I drew out a pattern for myself and then went my merry way sewing it. I did the web using a free motion quilting foot and for the spider too. it took me about 3 hours. Sorry this might not help much, but it really isn’t too bad of a softie to dissect by looking at it. Let me know if you have any other questions.
OMG
I saw the toy with the bandanna and i can’t believe it. I Had toys like this when i was a kid (25 Years ago) I had no idea they were still made! Mine was a bear called Cheekaboo.
Happy New Year!! So happy that your Dad is feeling better. I always love how simple you keep things. That is my new years mantra…K.I.S.S. xoxo to you and the Fam!!
What a fun idea with the painted dolls. I agree we spend so much time prepping for things we often forget to enjoy each others company. My family started a new tradition a few years ago where everyone- adults and kids- are encouraged to make something specific. This year we made either a snowman or Santa. Everyone donates a dollar to “play” and we have a vote on the most creative with the winner getting all the money. And with 20 or more people playing its really fun to see what everyone came up with. I was super bummed I couldn’t play since I was in the hospital right up until hours before dinner time but sure was thankful to still be able to be with my family instead of a hospital room!
And I’m totally stealing your idea of the cameras in stockings, I love to see what the kids find fascinating.
looks like you had some great family time! and Brave looks adorable in that leotard. I tottally forgot about it until i saw her wearing it!!
XO