Christmas

Christmas Eve day - we made blueberry pancakes, watched The Sound of Music, and generally relaxed.  And Chris and I broke down and let her start opening presents.

We decided to try out an idea I had read somewhere about Christmas gifts for kids and limited the gifts to 4 - "Something you want, Something to need, Something to wear, and Something to read."  I had been telling Jackie this off and on during the month.  She loved to point out that need and read rhyme.  Then I even labeled the gifts at the last minute so that she could pick what she wanted to open.  Her "want" was not under the tree yet.

She picked her "need" and was happy to "finally" get new art easel paper.  She immediately went to work.

Later she napped and we got ready for the family festivities.  She wore the same Christmas outfit from last year because it still fit!  And she opened her something to read - a couple of Angelina Ballerina books I had bought used and a subscription to High 5 magazine.  She "read" her books in the car on the way to Grandma and Grandpa's.  I don't think she understands about the mag sub.... but I know she'll enjoy it all year when they come in the mail.

Christmas Eve was definitely better this year than last..... What I mean by that is Jackie's a little bit more mature and was a little bit less over-stimulated and a little bit more calm, patient, peaceful, and appreciative.  A little bit.  There was a lot of repeating of the question, "when can we open presents".  And there was very little eating of anything healthy.  And there were still too many presents despite my efforts to communicate a desire for less this year.  But I think I was better prepared for it mentally and emotionally.  She and I played Santa handing out the gifts to the family members. Learning to read the tags and figure out the family members first names and relationships was the lesson of the day.  Jackie and her cousin Kyla were also super cute together this year.  Kyla is starting to talk and communicate - so fun.  And she follows Jackie around everywhere.

Here Jackie is showing Kyla how to fix up a bed for the baby

Jackie enjoyed watching Kyla open her presents too.  And she didn't act jealous or too grabby.

We got home at a decent hour, put on pj's, and prepped a plate of cookies and milk for the big guy.  Jackie even gave Santa a picture she had made (which was just glitter glue swirled around on a sticker scene paper).  See that red sack lying on the floor behind Jackie?  It's filled with toys she has outgrown and is ready to let Santa take with him to give to kids who don't have as many toys.  It's really hard to get her to let go of toys though.

 We tried to take some pics in front of the tree....

Oh and Jackie opened ANOTHER present - something to wear.  A couple of cute t-shirts, slippers and socks.

Thankfully she slept well and didn't get us up earlier than normal.  And while she was sleeping Santa stopped by the house and left his magical touch.  Santa always does too much and I really need to talk to him about cutting back next year!  Jackie had asked for the Merida dress and accessories (which was the bow and arrow she'd see in the advertisement pictures).  Santa kicked it up a notch with a doll and the movie (which Jackie hadn't even seen yet).  She had also asked Santa for the princess castle thing. Santa should have just left it at that.  But there are puzzles, some new "glass slipper" dress up shoes, and a little hotel desk bell (which she woke me with this morning - lovely).

Jackie insisted on wearing her princess dress and glass slippers all day

The morning was spent playing with gifts received.....

and prepping for Nana and Papa and Uncle John and Christmas breakfast - a feast.  So yummy.  Jackie barely ate and asked over and over again when we'd be opening presents. 

Finally!.....Merida opened more presents.

And Dr. Jackie made an appearance

Soon it was back to Grandma and Grandpa's for a big Christmas dinner with lots of extended family and friends.  Unfortunately there was no time for Jackie to take a nap so she was irritable and she basically refused to eat anything (so unlike her).  But we all stuffed ourselves on delicious foods.  

Lastly, I reminded Jackie that she hadn't opening her "something she wants".  She asked how is it wrapped, what does it look like?  Such a random question.  I told her it isn't wrapped because it's too big.  She asked, how will it fit in my room then?  And I said it doesn't go in your room.  She was thoroughly intrigued and ready to head home ASAP.  

Here is a video of her receiving her gift.  I really hate hearing my voice on video, especially when I don't use proper grammar.  Ugh.

I'm so glad we got home and gave her the bike before it got dark out because it was so great watching her ride it!

It was a lovely Christmas.  Once it was all complete my slight cold took a turn for the worst and I'm now trying to recover.  Boo.  Figures.  At least there's time to recover before the New Year!