This morning started at 4. Yes 4. Now for those kids that understand Christmas and Santa, and all the excitement I understand starting early. For a kid that thinks like this:
(ie, the box is the best part) 4am does not make sense. But alas, I digress. I was in no mood to get up for real, and Nick was sleeping soundly. So, I employed the heater. Meaning, I tucked Matthew into bed next to me facing the space heater. Something about the warmth from the heater, the fascination of the heater rotating, and the red numbers puts Matthew back to sleep 90% of the time. Luckily, it worked. Until 7am. Nick got up this time. But since sleep was not coming back (elusive devil!) up we all got. We padded into the kitchen where breakfast was waiting.
Another tradition is to get any cereal you want for breakfast (and sometimes a mid morning snack). I'm not sure if Santa brings cereal, or if Mom and Dad do. I'll have to check on that.
After 2 very slow moving parents had added sugar to their systems, it was onto opening presents.
One of the best gifts was the books from grandparents. One from each set, reading a story in their own voices. Matthew was fascinated, and spent the first read through trying to figure out where the voices came from. Stitch spent the time sniffing and checking out the books trying to figure out where the people were hiding.
It was then nap time for all parties. Followed by a delicious dinner of ham and potatoes. Matthew received brand new bowls that stick to surfaces for Christmas. He was happy to try them out.
Nick and I spent the afternoon testing out our new games. Luckily for me, today was my day and I was able to win a little more than I lost.
We had a great quiet Christmas. We spoke with many family members over the phone. I'm very grateful for my little family, and I look forward to Christmas yet to come.
