Well, it happened and it happened fiercely.
Christmas 2014.
I will remember it as the Christmas I almost didn’t get the tree up.
The Christmas I almost didn’t get the presents wrapped.
The Christmas I thought would be a bit skimpy, but lo and behold, it turned out as plump and magical as always.
We did our traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service with IHOP for dinner after.
As beautiful as it was, I think we should have just stopped there. IHOP ended up being packed. The girls were in absolute distress to be late back to their mom’s.
It was actually our year for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, but we had traded it to their Mom and just borrowed them Christmas Eve. I thought this might be Bridget’s last “Santa” year and I wanted their Mom to have it. In the end, as happy as I was to have my family together on Christmas Eve, it was just too tense and I felt really bad about the late thing, even though it wasn’t exactly our fault. It still was and…it wasn’t fun. Not for anyone. I did enjoy Averey’s great-grandparents who joined us at IHOP. I do hope that becomes a new tradition.
When Christmas afternoon came, we received the gift of two stress-free happy girls ready for a wonderful Christmas Day.
I didn’t mind at all waiting until Christmas Day to open presents. It was nice to have a relaxed time of opening gifts and having some time to enjoy them.
Of course, we dressed the dogs up. Of course, we did.
Bridget’s first gift was the new Kindle we got to replace the one the thieves stole a few months ago. The tag said: To Bridget From: Someone who is sorry.
I doubt they are sorry at all, but it was a nice thought. Maybe, if they knew they took an eight-year-old’s Kindle they would feel sorry. Maybe? Nah.
Molly got a cool cat shirt. And many, many other things.
And then, the big gift they had to open last. The iPod Touch we trekked out on Black Friday to retrieve at a decent price. Oh yes, we did!
It was worth it.
The smiles. The enchantment. The surprise. Every second of blood, sweat, and tears worth it.
Okay, maybe there wasn’t any blood or tears, but I sweated to get those presents all wrapped. Phew!
The grand baby was more fun, too. Oh, she doesn’t “get” it. But it is still fun to watch her surprise. Next year, I have no doubt, she will most certainly “get” it.
One of the gifts was a set of Speed Bumper cars. Those were a big hit and just as I predicted, the big kids (including Jason) liked them just as much as the girls.
There was another surprise for me. Jason and I had promised not to exchange gifts, but out of the tree, he pulled a little box. Inside the little box, a beautiful set of diamond earrings. Earrings I have wanted a long time. I was surprised, thrilled, and humbled. What an enormously sweet gesture.
So, Christmas 2014 was an amazing day!
And now, the fun really begins….
Living, Loving, Laughing.... 
Angelia, what a wonderful recap of your Christmas holiday. I was smiling the whole way through it 🙂 And as usual, your photographs are so beautiful. I especially love the ones of the Christmas Eve candlelight service. You captured the candlelight STUNNINGLY!
Your earrings are faaaaaaaabulous!
Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!
X
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Ron! I hope you have a super awesome New Year’s!! Thank you for always being here. The year wouldn’t be the same without your wonderful comments. 🙂
LikeLike
And the big dog says “yes, you did dress me up. What I’d like to know is why?” Looks like a wonderful Christmas.
LikeLiked by 2 people
She is terrified of clothes. She gets real still like she can’t move. It is so funny! She is the best dog for entertainment. 🙂
LikeLike
It looks like a fabulous Christmas! On many Christmas Eve’s, I was found wrapping gifts until 3:00 AM! Not this year. I got it done, but the work! Next year, I’m going to draw my card in October! …hopefully…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Susie! YES! I was at it until 1am. CRAZY. Glad you got it all done! I didn’t even get a Christmas card done this year. You are SO way ahead of me. You got next year! No probz!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And a good time was had by all. LOL Happy Holidays, Angelia. Have a fabulous new year and enjoy those sparklies on your ears. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Gemma. It sure was! Happy New Year, dear!
LikeLike
Looks like a great Christmas for all. It looks like Molly has a broken(?) something–wearing a cast. Our grandson and a neighbor collided–he on his new scooter, the friend on his new bike. He has a fracture on his tibia at the base of the knee, awaiting an MRI.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my gosh, Patti! Praying all is okay. Does he have to have surgery? OUCH! Poor kid! Yes, Molly tripped over a bag of books at her mom’s house (while walking backwards no less). She has a buckle fracture and is in the cast til January. It’s a pretty pink! LOL.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He just had the MRI this morning, don’t know anything yet. Casts are much prettier than they used to be. 🙂 Though, I doubt anyone wants to wear it as a fashion statement. Hope Molly is healing well, and as comfortable as possible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
what a happy christmas you got there.
Merry christmas for you and your family 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank-you, Mila. Happy New Year to you!
LikeLike
wish you happy merry christmas and new year.this photo so cute girl and gens.i love you this camera editor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! Love all my girls!
LikeLike
Glad it all turned out.
“Whew!”
Hugs to all of you.
Merry Christmas (yeah, I say it for awhile after the actual DAY!) and Happy New Year!
LikeLike