We had a good Christmas. We were proud of the fact that we didn't go crazy with presents. We did get surprised with a few extra gifts this year a couple days before Christmas. But in general everyone got one present from each family member and one from Santa. Some may feel that is excessive. However I think it is good for kids to feel like they have something to give. I believe it helps with confidence. Actually the two older kids gave their little sister a toy they no longer needed but still loved. Other than that they had a small budget to find a gift at the store. I love taking them as they get older because you can see how they are really thinking about what someone else wants and not getting gifts they hope to play with. It is good to see how they think of their siblings.
Opening his stocking. I was nice this year and let them open their stockings before breakfast. However the reast of the gifts have to wait till after breakfast dishes are done. I had to as a kid and I think it is a good tradition. My kids may think differently when they grow up. But it allows them to not get so caught up in what they got. And gives us a chance to talk to them and teach them about what Christmas is about.
Here is a hug after they opened their gifts from each other. This is why I love letting them give each other a gift. When they get older we may encourage them to make gifts for each other. But for now I am glad they get this opportunity.
Her gift from her brother. He looked so hard to find a Mermaid for her that was in his budget. He just knew that was what she "needed" and would love.
This was his present from his big sister. She had heard him say that he really wanted this fire helicopter and she knew he would love it. Originally she wanted to get him a remote controlled Dusty Crop-hopper from the movie Planes but that was way out of her budget.
The boat was from her big brother. Which was a big deal for his to give this to her. He still likes to play with it sometimes. But he likes that he gave her something that he loved and that he knows she likes. This is her Pillow pet from Mom and Dad. She was so cute and laid right down on it and loved it for a moment.
Mom and Dad gave him these Fireman Sam figures. They were the cheapest we could find but knew he would love them. He took them out and tried to wash them with a wet wipe and the paint started to wash off. That is how cheap they were. But he liked them and no worries. Grandma and Grandpa got him nicer Fireman Sam toys that were of better quality. We were glad because he washed a lot of the paint off before we noticed what he was doing. The truck in the background was one of the surprise toys that showed up from a secret Santa. He loves it.
This was a Santa gift. She loves her little baby Anna doll.
This year from Santa the kids got a Fire station and doll house. Thanks to some amazing friends they made these for us for a 'very' affordable cost. My oldest uses the top shelf for her dolls and the bottom shelf for her own book collection. My son stores all her Fire Men and Fire Trucks on his. The kids love them.
This part is some gifts they got from Grandma and Grandpa. They loved the gifts they got and love Grandma and Grandpa even more.
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