Mom at Christmastime

Being a Mom at Christmas time is simply pure magic! Magic. Magic filled with excitement, anticipation, kindness, giving, and pure joy all wrapped up in tiny bodies!

Simon is beyond excited about the gifts he has chosen to give to family members.

I found out Norah has decided to give me tools, just like Daddy. She told Eric I needed "hammering".

Simon and Norah cannot wait to do our advent devotions each day. Norah fills in the blanks for the Usborne Nativity book, and says words like Bethlehem, manger "table" for stable, and many other key points in the story. Do you know the names of the three wise men? Well, it is a hoot listening to a 2 1/2 year old say "Melchior, Caspar, and Belthesar". Sort of comes out as "Bebuhsar". I cannot believe our tree on the fridge is almost complete.

Ever run errands at Christmastime and visit the potty at least twice at every stop/location/store? Once to check it out and confirm, yes, Mommy, there is a bathroom here. And a second visit to actually pee. And sometimes a third visit to finish business. All while wrangling winter coats, bags, and who knows what else at the moment. Thank goodness that we left Santa's lap dry. Ever wonder how many times he gets peed on during a day? I'm glad it wasn't Norah!

I love that we have a huge handmade Christmas. They are getting slippers, hats, pillowcases, the playhouse, and mail all created with love by us. The pillowcases are large gift bags.

My "stress" is greatly reduced now that desired Santa items are secured! All Simon wants from Santa is a tunnel and lots of tracks. When he visited Santa, I saw Santa talking and talking and talking. Simon did not answer. I wandered over and encouraged Simon to answer Santa. Santa replied, "I think I stumped him". I asked "what did you ask him, Santa?" To which he answered "what else does he wants besides a tunnel and tracks." I said "oh, Santa, he always asks for only one thing from Santa." Santa was so kind! Then we visited Santa another time. We went to Lilacia Park to see all the light displays and visit Santa in the park on a very cold night. Norah was freaked out and really did not go near him. We were cold, so we went into Mrs. Claus's Cupboard for free cookies and hot chocolate. Norah wanted a stuffed animal on the shelf, to which we said no and said they were decorations. We mentioned that she could ask Santa for a new furry friend if she wanted to. She marched herself out the door, down the path and right to where Santa was. She climbed right up to him, and said she wanted a furry friend in her stocking. We interpreted for Santa that a furry friend is a stuffed animal. He asked her which animal. She did not answer. He provided choices, a puppy? no response. a bunny? Yeah, a bunny. She has yet to change her mind. After several inquiries, he assured us that our good little girl will get a bunny - a bit stressful with the late decision. He also confirmed prompt and fast delivery to be made for Simon's request. Santa sure has quite the options and connections and great customer service. I am quite calmed down, now.

Which leaves us up way, way too late at night. We are very tired. But when else are we supposed to get all of this done?

I can finally understand the desire to shop at stores starting at 10:00 p.m. Not that I have. But I understand.

We are tired, busy, and very happy!

It's pure magic and love. I cannot wait to first pray and then play on Christmas Day!