I love it when the kiddos first wake up and come out of their rooms to see their Santa gifts. I had them on the TV stand all night so the cats wouldn't mess with them, then quickly moved everything to the couch (where we usually have them) in the morning.
This year Timothy received a t-shirt from a game he likes to play, as well as a DIY plant kit. Molly received a new water bottle and a DIY candle making kit. Anthony received the Stuff You Should Know book, a cool lock, and a DIY glass bottle wind chime kit.
Early that morning, we received the unfortunate news that Grandma Cathy was ill. She was vomiting, probably from something she ate. Thankfully the rest of us were fine, but we were sad she wasn't going to be able to join us for Christmas.
We waited for Grandma and Grandpa Whitten to arrive before opening presents. As always, it's a whirlwind of kids running to the tree and back, wrapping paper flying all over the place, gifts piles taking over the couch and floor, and the dogs getting in the way (and now cats, too!) lol. The kids received lot of great gifts: books, clothing, P.J.'s, money, survival kits, a diffuser, a sound machine, a marble run, a sand garden, camo outfit, felt food, felt letter board, Minecraft light, etc. etc. Thank you to everyone who sent gifts and cash!! We are very thankful for everything we receive from friends and loved ones.
We usually eat breakfast after presents and then do stockings, but the quiche wasn't ready yet, so we went ahead and killed the few remining minutes until breakfast was done by going ahead and doing our stockings. The kids were excited about all the little goodies they got: magnets, stickers, candy, CD's, bath-bombs, mini games, remote control covers, things for their animals, etc. Even the dogs had a stocking full of goodies!
We were all excited when breakfast was finally ready! Sammy made 3 quiche and I made blueberry muffins, our traditional Christmas morning breakfast! I enjoyed my breakfast sitting on the couch listening to Christmas music.
Earlier in the morning it had started snowing! It didn't take long for it to add up to a couple inches. The kids (and dogs!) were really stoked about the snow! While they all went off to play in the snow, I took photos of the dogs frolicking in the yard. All was going well taking photos of the dogs having a grand 'ol time, when Daisy came running and smashed her huge, hard head right into my knee. I was immobilized for a few minutes in excruciating pain. It literally hurt so, so bad. Who would have thought. It was like smashing your funny bone.....but on your knee, not your elbow. So I was layed up in bed with an icepack for an hour or so getting the swelling to come down. Good fun.
Just like Christmas Eve, we like to take it easy on Christmas Day. We spent a great deal of time playing with new gifts, playing in the snow, watching Christmas movies, cleaning up and organizing toys, and of course, snacking! Love chill days.
We were excited when it was finally time for dinner! Dinner was homemade biscuits with all the toppings and clam chowder soup. I set a pretty table too, stealing a few pine limbs off the wreath that was hanging on our door, lol. We definitely stuffed ourselves silly on the soup. Dessert was peanut butter blossom and chocolate chip cookies.
Another wonderful Christmas in the books! We are incredibly grateful that other than the minor inconveniences or restaurants being closed to dining in, the kids having to do online schooling, recevied very little friend time, and having to wear a mask when out and about, our family has not been hugely affected by Covid and we have, in general, had a good year. I know there are a lot of people out there that can not say the same. It is definitely something to be thankful for.
With love,
Mama Hauck
