You always hear the saying that it's better to give than receive. This actually rang true this year. I've always enjoyed giving gifts and watching people open them, but it's SO.MUCH.BETTER when it's your child. Now I know the joy my parents experienced watching us. This was technically Brody's second Christmas, but the first he actually got to participate.
Christmas began on Christmas Eve at my parents' house. It has always been tradition that we open gifts with my parents on Christmas Eve...and yes...I didn't even (gasp) believe in Santa as a kid! This will be different for Brody, as his Father is pretty dead set on Brody being a Santa believer. But, back to Brody. Christmas Eve was great. Candlelight communion at church and presents at my parents' house. Brody got to stay up late and be spoiled by his grandparents and great grandparents. The big gift of the night was his Pottery Barn "my first chair." He LOVED it! He's obsessed right now with sitting on and standing on things, so it was perfect. He sat in it while he opened the rest of his presents...which of course...didn't live up to the chair with the big red bow.
By Christmas morning, Brody was a pro at helping me rip off wrapping paper. He didn't quite grasp that he was getting new presents, as he was excited about playing with his old toys in his playroom. But it was sweet none-the-less. I loved watching him open presents and play with his toys. Taylor and I got each other one small thing so we could focus on Brody, and it really was satisfying to have our first real family experience on Christmas morning. I wouldn't trade a second of it, and I honestly can't WAIT for the next few Christmases and watching his little face light up on Christmas morning. I love making memories and feel lucky that we have such a sweet little boy to spoil on Christmas.
I read something a friend said online, and I am paraphrasing, but it was to the effect of understanding a little bit more the massive sacrifice God made in giving us Jesus, due to having a son of his own this year. That hit the nail on the head for me. You just can't ever imagine the love you are capable of with your own child until you have them. Now that I know that love...and the intensity...just makes me all the more thankful for what He did for us. So, a late Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Here is to the next year and all the memories we will make in 2011:).
