Christmas Day

The girls are the perfect age to make for and exciting Christmas morning. Luckily, the girls stuck to the rules and didn't come down until after 7am when the Christmas lights were on and the fireplace going. We did Santa's gifts for a while, then had a nice breakfast, then dug into the gifts under the tree.

Grandma Rosemary provided some fun gift opening with her delivery of several LARGE packages containing an assortment of sleds. We now have enough for neighborhood sledding. The girls loved their sleds and are praying for more snow.

The sleds became indoor Christmas gift carriers and beds. In the afternoon they got some use outside.

Another favorite gift were aprons for the girls (made by Grandma) and matching aprons for their American Girl dolls (made by cousin Natalie). The girls were thrilled and couldn't wait to try them on.

The best part of Christmas was watching the girls plan, shop for and make gifts for each other. They spent a lot of time thinking about what to get for each other. And, as usual, their gifts to each other were some of their favorite presents on Christmas day. Here is Hannah making a cute little bean bag dog for Izzy.

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve on the slopes of Schweitzer. It was a beautiful day and we even saw Santa & Mrs. Claus. Izzy is a little unsure if she wants gifts from this guy.

We tried out a harness on Izzy (thanks Keith & Jenny!) and it worked great. It satisfied her need for independence (‘Do it by MYSELF!’) and our need to keep her from tearing down the hill out of control. She had so much fun, that after a whole day of skiing and no nap, she staged a protest. She laid down right in the middle of the parking lot and refused to go any closer to the car (and thus the end of skiing for the day). I have a great video, but for some reason it won't load.

The older girls all had fun skiing with friends and even skied Jack's dream - a black diamond run they are fond of. All in all, a great way to start the Christmas celebrations!

Izzy Learns About Money

In our house, 2 years old is definitely too young for allowance. But our crafty Izzy thought otherwise. While I was busy helping the other girls separate allowance into tithing, savings and spending, Izzy was busy helping herself to the Davidson Allowance Bank (a.k.a. a bowl containing change and bills that I use to hold allowance money). Before I realized it, she filled her little purse with about $5 in quarters.

She has been carrying it around every since, just waiting for the right moment to spend it. All of the other girls have had a special trip with Mom to do their Christmas shopping and she was just waiting for her chance. As we were out running errands the other day she seized the opportunity and brought her purse - asking to use it at the Library, Post Office and just about every other place we went. Finally, we ended up at Super Drug and I gave in. When I told her she could spend her money, she started shopping in earnest for Christmas gifts for her sisters. I helped her settle on .50 packages of Christmas candy - one for each sister.

She proudly carried her goods up to the counter, handed them to the cashier and pulled out her wallet. She is too short to actually see the cashier over the counter, so I lifted her up to sit on the counter. As a line of three or four people started to gather behind us, Izzy proceeded to pull her money out one coin at a time. Knowing this would take more time than the patience of people in line, I asked if I could help her count it. 'Do it BY MYSELF' was her response. I knew a 2 year old tantrum was in the makings. Luckily, the cashier was kind and a quick thinker. She said that if Izzy let me help count the money she would give Izzy a special piece of paper with her purchase (a receipt). Izzy was so excited she said Thank You and was pleased as can be.

I think I'm going to have to hide that little purse of hers for a while. She is sweet and cute, but definitely has a will of her own!

CHRISTmas

Cassi posted this great video on her blog. I had to pass it on. I wish I were eating at the food court that day. Molly, I kept looking for your face to pop up in the crowd - this is just up your alley!

Simplicity

Shortly after Thanksgiving, I found this story by Janet Lee, the wife of former BYU president Rex Lee…

Several years ago, during the Christmas season, President and Sister Hinckley came to BYU for a musical event. Before the program, there was buffet dinner, and at one point while the men were away from our table, the women began to talk about the frustrations of getting ready for Christmas. Our conversation focused on the fact that everything about the season was becoming a burden for women. We bear the responsibility of selecting gifts, organizing social events, preparing everyone’s favorite food, and making certain that family, guests, and even the less fortunate have a merry Christmas. We felt overwhelmed if not resentful.

Sister Hinckley listened patiently, and then without the slightest edge of criticism in her voice said, “I love Christmas. It is the most joyful of all seasons. I love seeing the eyes of little children light up on Christmas morning. I love giving gifts. I love being with my family. We just need to simplify and remember what we are celebrating.”

After she had spoken, something magical happened. Our attitudes shifted, and we began to talk about the birth of our Savior and the spirit of giving. In the years that have passed since those words were spoken, a burden has been lifted for me during the holidays. As I shop, prepare food, and join with friends and family to celebrate the birth of our Savior, her words nurture and calm me. “I love Christmas,” I hear her say, and I let her teach me to relax and enjoy the season.

This story reminded me how much I love Christmas and how much I enjoy doing all of those things that make it special. It also reminded me that I need to stop getting overwhelmed, keep things simple, be more patient and enjoy the small moments. I love wrapping gifts. I love decorating the tree and the house and putting up our Nativities.

I love the Christmas lights in the windows and the traditions that we have started in our family. I love that my girls spend more time trying to decide what to buy for their sisters than they spend making their own Christmas lists. I love reflecting on the birth of our Savior.