We had been gearing up all month on two fronts. Preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus and preparing to prepare cookies and wait for Santa. We all know what is the most important of those two events however we all also know what is most important to a two year old. Ethan knew the reindeer's names, he had spoken with Santa and put in his order, he had practiced making cookies, customized a plate for Santa, and had a scheduled itinerary (in his mind) of his tasks and the nightly events of Christmas Eve, Santa's visit, and Christmas morning. He was ready. We had two countdown calendars. One traditional advent calendar(countdown to Jesus) and one chocolate treat calendar (countdown to Santa). As the day approached Ethan could hardly focus on anything else. The great distraction was Grandma and Grandpa's arrival.
We were very fortunate to be able to share our celebrations with Grandma and Grandpa Hurford. Grandma Hurford had a bonus celebration this year on December 24. As Alex celebrated his 6 month birthday, Grandma Hurford celebrated her 60th birthday. Fortunately we were able to give Grandma a special day on the 23rd by taking her into the city for a NYC birthday dinner. The 24th had a lot of action.
First off to the doctor. Both boys were sick. Ethan had a raging ear infection and Alex had a viral respiratory issue. Alex was under the weather but Ethan appeared to be perfect- nothing was going to stop his Christmas. We returned home to a day filled with playing and preparing. Ethan had gotten a new teddy bear from school and had a little skit with Grandpa where the little bear would innocently walk down the street and then attack. I think we all perished multiple times. It was hysterical. Next was cookie baking. Sugar cookies with lots and lots of icing. Ethan did it all. Mixing, rolling, cutting, icing. He was a cookie making machine.
After the cookies were assembled on the plate and carrots were placed in a bowl for the reindeer, we started to track Santa on the internet (who knew satellites were that good), and had dinner. Ethan was pretty tired out and went to bed without a fuss knowing that Santa would only come when he was sleeping.
Christmas morning was hysterical. Like any other morning he woke up at the usual time, I think 5:00 or so calling for Momma. I went into his room and he began talking about his dreams and his day... he had forgotten it was Christmas. I began to ask him if he had heard anything last night, he said no. I said, "Not even some reindeer on the roof?" Then came the horrified gasp. He sprung up in bed and shouted, "Oh Momma, I forgot! It's Christmas!" With that he catapulted out of bed. I had to reel him back in to go potty before flying down the stairs to confirm the previous night's visitor.
With a smile from ear to ear he witnessed a glorious sight. As if in slow motion, he scanned the room and took it all in. To be honest I don't think he knew where to begin. Santa went a little overboard, I have to admit.
The sweetest thing about the morning was how meticulous he was about opening everything and examining each new treasure one piece at a time. Every item had to be played with with due diligence before moving on to the next. His favorite gift was his "treasure box" from Santa. He had asked Santa for Emily the train (more Thomas and Friends monopoly items). Buried behind a few other wrapped gifts he found a special little box with a big red ribbon. With a big grin and twitching little fingers, he opened the box to find his prize. Emily! He was literally jumping up and down giggling. It was in that moment alone that I found a new love for Christmas. In those brief snip-its in time when the giggles and smiles etch a permanent memory in you brain and in your heart you realize the miracle of children, the innocence they possess, and the pure happiness they bring to your life. The rest of the morning was just icing on the cake, or should I say frosting on the cookie.
Poor Alex's first Christmas morning was not as joyous. He had his morning bottle and went back to sleep. When the sick little guy woke up later that morning he enjoyed opening a few presents and loved watching and playing with (grabbing) his brother. He slept the better part of the day but being the guy that he is, he was a happy little trooper through it all.
Since Ethan has already started asking when Santa will be back, and if we can have another countdown calendar, I'm sure time will fly by and before we know it we will be gearing up for Christmas 2010.
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