A Holly Jolly Christmas

Christmas this year was amazing!!!! There is something so magical about watching the spirit of Christmas through the eyes of your child. For about 2 weeks Lyla had been asking when she could open presents. Every day she would walk up to the tree, pick up a present and ask if she could open it. I had to tell her not until Santa comes. She would ask when he was coming and then repeat the process again the next day. So cute!

Christmas Eve we always spend with my sister and parents. This year due to my sister's work schedule, that almost didn't happen. But thankfully at about 3:00PM Autumn called to say she would be getting off early. Wonderful news! Lyla and I headed to Curry Creek Church where Andy was singing for Christmas Eve service. Andy sang beautifully (as usual). His O Holy Night literally brought tears to my eyes. Lyla even made it through the whole service sitting in my lap. Luckily the service was only about 40 minutes. We then headed over to my parent's house to dinner and to wait for Autumn. Lyla kept asking when Aunt Auti would be there so we could open presents.

Waiting for Aunt Auti.

Lyla would let everyone take turns opening presents. Of course she helped them open, but at least she didn't tear through all of her presents quickly.



Once she opened up her dress up clothes, she wanted them on. (And has been wearing them every day since)


I got Just Dance 3 for Wii so of course we had to pop it open. It was a ton of a fun and a great workout, but my dance degree did not help. I lost way more than I won. Then we headed home to set our cookies and milk for Santa and head to bed.

Christmas morning we awoke to gifts from Santa. Lyla loved every gift she opened. Each item she pulled out of her stocking she would say, "Oh thank you Santa." And each present she would ask, "who bought this?" and then would thank them. Precious!

Santa brought Lyla a cupcake baking set, books and lots of goodies in her stocking.


Helping Mommy and Daddy with presents.



She loves her new tent and tunnel. She plays hide-and-seek. Mommy has to count and come find her. Of course, she always hides in the same place. Silly girl.


Later in the morning Andy's mom, brother, sister and grandma came over for breakfast and presents. It was a great day. Unfortunately my cold returned and so I was wiped. Lyla and I took a 3 hour nap and then Andy and Lyla went over to his Aunt and Uncle's house to give me some rest time. I finally went to urgent care on Monday and got antibiotics. I feel like a new woman now!

My goal for next year is to really teach Lyla the true meaning of Christmas. I tried, but she would rather sing Happy Birthday to everyone but Jesus. It's a work in progress I guess.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.