The Results are In!

The verdict on the 3 gifts? A total and complete WIN! I was worried about 3 days before Christmas when T.K. said something about ONLY getting 3 presents. I said to him "3 presents! Wow how lucky are you, just like Jesus!" We talked for a minute about how we automatically think about Jesus when we think about our presents now.  The boys all had a pretty nicely stuffed stocking with some small toys and a new movie (it's tradition), and their 3 presents under the tree. The present opening went really fast, as it always does. Amazingly, they were all gracious and not once did I hear, "Is that all?!" or "I don't like this."

There were lots of wide surprised eyes and the one child that was known for being a tiny bit ungrateful even said it was the best Christmas ever.

When the present opening massacre was over they boys gravitated to their individual gifts and played amidst the mess of wrapping paper and boxes, which I might add was markedly less than years past. Steve and I were able to snuggle up on the couch together and enjoy the real spirit of Christmas.  There was a warm feeling in our house that I've never quite experienced before.

In years past there has always been kind of an unsettled buzz in the air. I felt like the kids would get overwhelmed just by the sheer volume of stuff. This year, that was not the case. We each got some stuff and  something we really wanted and we were able to enjoy that thing. Instead of an unsettled buzz, there was a relaxed glow that filled our home. Everyone was calm and relaxed and happy. This by far takes the prize for best Christmas ever. It was just perfectly, perfect.