Life with the Gracias: Christmas 2015

Christmas 2015 has come and gone. There's such a hype and excitement leading up until Christmas Day, and then with a blink of an eye, it's over. Fortunately, we were able to find time to spread Christmas cheer and enjoy some festive activities before the season got away from us. We were able to check out the Christmas Zoo Lights in WARM weather, celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary, drive around looking at lights, visit and take treats tongue friends at Worthington Christian Village, read many stories of Jesus' birth, see Sanra at the library's Polar Express, decorate our house and much more I'm sure to be forgetting. Oh yah, Christmas cookies were decorated.

Here are some of the highlights from my perspective:

Mateo was so excited to hear if he was on Santas good or bad list! Christmas Eve, Santa told him he made the good list and Mateo went to bed that night saying, "Phew! I'm so glad I made it on Sant's good list!" His Christmas list this year consisted of Quixels and an RC Car. He was pleased to get lots of both of them! The weathers been nice too so he has been able to run the cars outside, as well as in the house. This year we also got to see his first "performance" in his preschool Christmas program. This mommy had such pride watching him sing out songs of praise to Jesus on stage with his class. He knew all the words and motions and you could even hear him over others in the more difficult songs. Such a sweet program. And such a blessing to hear how even in his music class he is learning so many key Biblical truths.

Gabriella enjoyed herself this Christmas too. Although she didn't have a list, or really get what was going on, she enjoyed so many things. One of her favorite things this holiday season were the Christmas lights. As we would drive in the dark, looking at lights she would eagarly shout out, "LOOK! LOOK!" as she pointed to all of the lights. She loved blow up decorations so much, I broke down and let her pick out a 4 foot gingerbread for our yard. She had so much joy turning on the lights each night and watching the gingerbread blow up. Gabs was a little uncertain about Santa this year. The first Santa she saw up close, she hesitated, but he was very comforting and we were able to get a picture with her and Mateo on Santa's lap. However, Christmas Eve, she was not as welcoming and would only get her picture taken with him when mommy and daddy went with her. She did love reading about him and seeing him in decorations or from a far. She had NO LOVE for Ernie the Elf, who showed up at Christmas Eve. This year Gabriella received babies and accessories, stuffed animals, and clothes for Christmas. She loved gifts, but after the 1st one or two gifts each celebration, she just wanted to play with her toys.

I'm so thankful for the time we were able to spend with family during the Christmas Season.