#LuckyDuffys: Christmas 2011

This year we had a wonderful Christmas. Thomas was so entralled by everything this Christmas. He loved talking about it being Jesus' birth as well as Santa and our elf, Darby! On Christmas Eve, we went to the Candlelight service at Prestonwood Baptist. We were blessed with my grandmother coming with us. It was the first time she has ventured out to a church service since her stroke in April 2011! Then we all went back to the house for some traditional Christmas tamales! Prior to opening presents, Thomas read the Christmas story to us from the Bible. Growing up it was always me, Amy, and Leanne's job to read the story (as we were the children). I loved being able to pass down that tradition of the child reading the story to Thomas this year! He did an AWESOME job of reading from the "real Bible" with minimal assistance. Then we sang a few traditional Christmas carols - again a tradition in our family. Then it was time to open PPPRRREEESSSEEENNNTTTSSS!!!! (as my mom would say!). Thomas was so thankful for each present he opened - and there were many! After each one he would say "Thank you so much! I have always wanted this!" I was so proud of my boy for remembering to be thankful for each and every gift. After opening presents it was time to get ready for bed. We sprinkled reindeer feed on the front yard and Thomas went to bed. Oops! We forgot to put out cookies!!! So, I had to go get Thomas up from bed to put cookies out for Santa and to leave Darby for Santa to take back to the North Pole. Then it was really off to bed for everyone so Santa could come. Christmas morning Thomas woke up around 7:30 (his normal time) and then woke up his Aunt Leanne and Uncle Alan so he could see what Santa brought. Of course Santa brought what he asked for! Santa even brought something for us big kids! Then we all went to church at my parents church - what better way to celebrate our Savior's birth? The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home. I am so glad we are able to celebrate our Savior's birth. And I am so glad that Thomas is understanding more and more what His birth is truly about!