First of all...all gifts on Christmas morning come from Santa. I never realized that some families do this differently. I've heard some parents only giving one present from Santa, or some only doing stockings from Santa. But, in the Lewis household, Santa gets all the credit. I think it keeps the magic for him as he gets a little older.
Every Christmas Eve is spent with my parents. We bake cookies, decorate them (and now take some home with us to leave out for Santa), and eat sandwiches for dinner. Not sure how the sandwiches started. Pretty sure it was from my brother and me being too impatient to open presents that my parents gave up on a large dinner and settled for quick and easy. I love it.
We give Jacob three presents on Christmas Eve from us. One is a new ornament. He also gets a new pair of pajamas. 
The third present is really just from me, and I give it to him alone. Each year I give him a book, and write a note in the front about why I picked the story for him. They aren't age appropriate really. The books are meant to form his own special library for as he grows up. 
His first Christmas I gave him "The Tale of Despereaux." I wanted Jacob to know that he can do anything he puts his mind to, and nothing is impossible.
Second Christmas was "Dangerous Book for Boys." I wanted him to have a guide for what boys should know. How to tie a knot. How to pick up girls. How to start a campfire. Important poems. A list of presidents. The history of baseball.
This year, I am giving him a more age-appropriate book, "The Christmas Sweater." I think it sends the right message to kids about the true meaning of Christmas being the memories and not the presents.
Because I will be full-term with this pregnancy by Christmas, we are not travelling to see extended family for the first time. I am SO excited to keep Jacob home on Christmas and let him play with his new toys all day. Also excited that my parents are coming down after he opens presents and spending the day with us. Bob and I are having fondue as our Christmas dinner. Appetizers, main course, and chocolate dessert fondue.
Your book tradition is such a sweet and great idea! What a fun holiday you have!
ReplyDeleteThat's a really sweet tradition with Jacob! He is going to love it! And that is TOTALLY you Jenny! :)
ReplyDeleteI swear, I thought I heard you at McAlisters the other day ... I was meeting a friend and I thought I heard your laugh! Haha! Were you there last weekend?! Or am I just totally losing it?!
I love that you give him three gifts!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the book idea, what a fun tradition for you and Jacob! I might have to do that with my girls from now on :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining the challenge!
Aly - I was at McAlister's last weekend! I was there with Jenny and Ann for our "mom's lunch" we do every once in a while to get out and not share our food with toddlers, haha. Sorry we missed you!!
ReplyDelete