Christmas 2014

The Christmas celebrations were especially fun this year with Beckham. The whole idea of Santa was very exciting for our 2 year old and the magic of the season was unforgettable for our little family.

The Friday before Christmas, we went to Story Time at our library and met Santa.  It was very cute and the kids there had a great time.  It took the whole hour for Beckham to warm up to the idea of speaking to Santa.  Right before we left, I took Beckham to visit Santa.  He did not want to sit on Santa's knee at all and preferred to hide his face in my legs.  However when Santa asked if Beckham had been a good boy, Beckham quickly said, "Yes!"  He also told Santa that he would like the "Monster Book" (The Monster at the end of this Book) for Christmas.  Santa gave him a candy cane and the library lady gave Beckham a very nice new book for coming.  How fun!  And, that was our experience with Santa this year.

Before we knew it, it was Christmas Eve.  That day I told Beckham that Santa wouldn't come to a dirty house, so he willingly helped me clean the entire house - top to bottom.  We also made cookies for Santa and waited for our Daddy to come home from work to head to Bumpa and Nanna's house.  We read the story of the birth of baby Jesus, ate goodies, played with the dogs Dacie and Duke, and thoroughly enjoyed the company of everyone.  Beckham opened a few presents that night, and then we headed home in the icy windy weather.  Beckham fell asleep in the car and an hour later (wow!) we arrived home.  Thankfully, it was just in time for Santa to come!

The next morning was absolutely exciting and fun for our little boy.  He woke up right about 6:30 - his usual wake time.  He came down the stairs to see the presents Santa left.  His first focus was on the animals and fences.  A few seconds later, he saw his requested book, and then his kitchen, and then his stocking, and all the sudden he couldn't contain his excitement.  Beckham squealed with delight and did a little victory dance too cute for words.

We played for quite a while in our PJs and enjoyed our time together on Christmas morning in our own house.  Later that morning, we went back to Bumpa and Nanna's house to enjoy the rest of the day with our family.  Beckham loved opening more gifts there and was sure spoiled rotten.  He was so happy to play the rest of the day at his Bumpa and Nanna's house with new toys.

That weekend, we traveled to the Hall family Christmas party.  Everyone was able to be there, which is quite rare, and we loved every minute of it.  Grandma made some wonderful food and entertainment for the whole time we were there.  Beckham and Daddy braved the cold weather and went sledding.  They had so much fun.  I mean look at those faces.

We also did the annual children's nativity, which was fantastic this year.  Beckham was a little shepherd (and quite uncooperative I might add!).  The costume did not last at all.

Most of the nativity, he was terrorizing the other children or visiting with Grandpa.  He was just so happy to be around his cousins.  Hopefully, he will be more cooperative next year.

The gift exchange was highly anticipated by all of the kids and it was fun to have so many people to help him open even more presents.  In the past few days, this kid got more gifts than he could imagine and he loved every one.

Later we took one gigantic family picture with everyone and that night we left back to our home.

It was our best Christmas yet.  We particularly enjoyed spending time with our family and remembering the baby Jesus.  Mommy, Daddy, and Beckham are a little sad to see the season end and are looking forward to next Christmas.