We started the Christmas celebrations on Friday (21st) with a big snow day. This was Christmas concert day and we were afraid that with the snowstorm (30cm) things would be cancelled. With no email or phone call from the school, we hauled the kids out to the school and dropped them off. Clara stayed home with Lola. We didn't want to haul her out in the storm. We parked ourselves at the Starbucks and waited for the concert to start. It was a great morning, just hanging out and decompressing before the chaos of Christmas hit.
Surprisingly, the concert was almost in full attendance. It was funny knowing that this time last year, William was home just over a week when we went to see Olivia in her Christmas concert. The concert last year did not go really well. ahhahah. Poor Olivia had just gotten back from Korea and was overwhelmed with the changes. This year, she was a rock star! Confidently, she sang with her CASA class, singing her Christmas songs in french. William did a great job too. He was more starstruck though. But thankfully, no tantrums on stage and had the biggest smile ever.
After the concert we took the kids to the mall to see Santa. We were counting on the mall being very quiet. It was somewhat quiet, well at least the line to see Santa was. Olivia bravely went to see Santa and told him that she wanted a Barbie for Christmas. William on the other hand, had the screaming tantrum like every other kid. ahhahahah. Oh well, there is always next year. Then we had lunch and went to Build a Bear to get Clara a special Christmas gift. Like Olivia and William, we created a special bear as a keepsake for her first Christmas. We built the bear with love and recorded our voices. Now all 3 kids have a special bear that they got for their first Christmas.
The next day, Tita Melissa and Lolo arrived bringing more gifts and Christmas cheer. The kids were starting to get excited. We did some last minute shopping since we had some help at home and that made a huge difference. The 24th was going to be busy day.
Christmas Eve proved to be super exciting. Not only was it Clara's first Christmas, but it both Olivia and William was starting to really understand the big day. Well...more Olivia than William. We brought the kids out early for last minute grocery and errands and then put them down for a good afternoon nap. We decided to go to 4:00 mass with the kids. As we arrived, it was standing room only and we forced to stand in the back of the hall. It turned out great because the kids had room to love around instead of being confined to pew with no space. I loaded up Olivia's backpack with snacks and crafts, and that lasted the hour mass. As soon as the priest said his Christmas blessing, we came back home and got ready for dinner.
After dinner, the kids were ready to tear into the presents. ahhahah. By the end, the family room looked like there was a toy store explosion, with toys and wrapping paper everyone. They didn't know which toy to play with first. It was very overwhelming for the kids AND adults. :0P We decided not to open up all the gifts and wait till tomorrrow for the others, especially Santa's gift. We eventually got the kids down by 9pm. When the kids were down, Papa (aka Santa's elf) got busy assembling Christmas gifts in the basement, and I got William's birthday gifts ready. We decided to save William's gifts from this birthday party for the actual birthday date. So, I hauled up the gifts to his room while he was sleeping so he could open them up first thing in the morning. I thought it was a good idea, except that I think he woke up aroudn 3am and saw the presents and couldn't go back to sleep. Sigh. Sure enough, you could hear Sir William singing away at 7am. Sigh. We knew it was going to be an interesting day.
Chirstmas day also William's 2nd birthday. We woke up and went to greet William in his room. He was up and ready to go. We started opening up presents in his room and he was in heaven. Finally some boy toys he could play with. Then we went downstairs for breakfast and to see what Santa brought. Oliva was estactic to get the Barbie she had asked for, and William...welll, the hockey net seemed like a good gift. Maybe next year, Santa will know what he really wants. :0)
We let the kids open up the last remaining gifts and stocking stuffers. They were in heaven. Sugar and new toys were a tricky combination. hahahaha. But it was a lazy morning, and the kids had time to play with their new toys while the adults relaxed. Later that afternoon, grandmaman and grandpapa came over bringing more gifts! It just never ends!
We had a lovely lunch and blew out William's brithday cake (which sadly was the red velvet Christmas log we had the night before). The good thing was, William loved the cake AND he had a special Elmo candle on it. The day finally came to an end with all 3 kiddies exhausted. It was a wonderful Christmas.
Every year, I feel blessed to have my family and friends around me. Christmas time has always been special to me and will always be my favourite holiday. But it means so much to me now than ever. With 3 beautiful children to celebrate with, I count my blessings that I am fortunate to have them in my life. One year ago, we had 2 children, and with God's miracle baby Clara came. Yes, with 3 small children, it was pretty chaotic and super tiring. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Christmas in the Savard house will always be the most wonderful time of the year.
Happy New Year! Glad to see you all had a great Christmas!
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