And just like that, it’s over. Another Christmas in the books for Ben. After all of the lead-up and preparation, the day itself seems to go by all too quick. Ben definitely made the most of Christmas this year, and we enjoyed every minute with him. It really makes you wish you could go back to being four years old again and see everything through his eyes.
This Christmas was a little different to begin with, with Ben’s Aunt Devon and Uncle Richard away for the weekend. That left Ben and Daddy along with Nana and Poppop for our Christmas Eve festivities. Nana had all of her candles lit for dinner and Ben wanted the other lights turned down as low as possible (almost to the point where you couldn’t see your plate!). We hung stockings, opened the last windows on our advent calendars and prepared for Santa a glass of milk (chocolate, of course), a plate of cookies and a note, along with carrots for the reindeer. This year Ben insisted we cut the ‘nubs’ (the ends) off the carrots for the reindeer. Then the four of us posed for photos in front of the tree, with Ben even speaking up and art directing some of the shots himself!
Afterwards, it was off to the annual party at our friend’s house where Santa arrives to hand out presents. Ben was very excited along with all of the other kids running around the packed house (when did these kids all get so BIG??) Later, back at Mommy’s house, Ben got another plate ready for Santa (this time the reindeer got cheese!) It was around then that Ben realized it was time to say goodbye to his elf on the shelf for a little while (you don’t think about THAT part of the story!) The little guy gave him a kiss, and even drew a picture of him and Mommy with his elf (Ben has a sad face in the picture.)
The next morning, the craziness started around seven (not too bad!) Ben was eager to give Mommy her presents, and then tore into the big pile for himself. Some of the highlights were his Samurai Castle (he told me about this one on the phone right away), as well as a number of fun PlayMobile sets and figures, some cool Steelers gear and an alarm clock that projects planets onto his ceiling. It was a little strange over at Nana and Poppop’s, with just the three of us up and awaiting Ben’s arrival. We had time to exchange our own gifts and wake up… but I think we all really lit up when it was time to go get the little guy. I went to pick him up and he was all smiles as he gave me the tour of everything that he opened over at Mommy’s house. He decided to stay in his Christmas pajamas and his Santa hat as we headed back for more presents with Nana and Poppop.
His eyes got big as we went downstairs to check out the pile of presents, but even with everything waiting for him there, Ben was most excited about giving me my presents first. He is such a sweet kid. He couldn’t wait to see my reaction, so he came over and helped me open my card and gifts. He was especially excited about the card he picked out, which played music when you pressed a button. And of course, everything he picked out for me was Steelers…a fun Steelers Santa hat, a Steeler sock monkey, and a Steelers wall clock. I don’t think his smile could have been bigger when I told him how much I loved everything. Soon, it was onto what Santa brought him. Ben ripped through his stocking and then went right to work with some of the biggest presents in the pile. Just like last year, he was excited and giggle when he opened new pairs of underwear! Some of the highlights for him were the Batcave Tower (he guessed it before he opened it), some new Nintendo DS games, and a fun guitar to play around with. And how could we forget his Happy Napper monkey (he’s being hugged in this week’s photo). Ben was squeezing all of the presents, trying to find a soft one that would be the happy napper buddy he had asked Santa for repeatedly (Santa tricked him and wrapped him in a box.) Since he has been unwrapped, that monkey has barely left Ben’s side! After presents, it was upstairs for a special breakfast, and to light the last candle on the advent wreath and Ben lead us in singing happy birthday to Jesus. It was a nice little quiet time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, and for us all to catch our breath for a minute or two.
Too soon, Ben was off to his next stop. Him and Daddy got back into the car and headed over to Gram and Gramps house…more presents…and a lot more people! All of Ben’s cousins were already packed in and bus unwrapping and playing when he arrived. I gave the little guy a hug and kiss, and then he jumped right into the fun. The rest of the day was spent there, and then playing back home at Mommy’s with all of the fun new toys. You can guess that Ben slept well that night!
Another Christmas, another awesome success full of memories and fun times. Even though this Christmas was a little different, and there were some times that felt a little strange when Ben wasn’t around, seeing the joy in his little face had a way of making you forget about everything else. My favorite memory is just seeing his excitement as he wanted to give me my gifts before opening all of his own. He is such a good little guy, and I know we all treasured every moment we had with him this Christmas.
Now its onto 2012… have a safe and Happy New Year everyone!
Great Christmas! Benjamin can really get you in the spirit! Seeing is bright shining eyes and happiness makes all the preparations worthwhile!
Love reading your posts……he is just toooo cute. Children have such a special way of making holiday memories very special. Alan and I slept overnight at Nancy’s this year on Christmas Eve. Mom Mom, Papi, Emma and Brock had a sleepover all together in Emma’s room. She’s 9 and when she ran out in the morning to the Christmas tree, she also picked up the present she had made for us and it had to be the first thing that was opened. It was an ornament with her picture that she had made by herself. What a treasure that will be on our tree along with the several that her Mother and Aunts made when they were children. That’s what the holidays are about….we are blessed!! Happy New Year to you, Ben and the whole family!!! Miss you all…….
Ben, is such a cool kid! These posts always make me smile : )