Christmas Fun

Being that it is the most magical time of the year, we have been trying to do some extra special holiday things to enjoy this season as a family and create traditions and memories for our kids. This year has been a bit different because of how busy we were through much of November and December. I know it's cliche to say "we're so busy," especially during the holiday season, but seriously, we were so busy. In order to capitalize on an extra benefit that Myles was recently approved for related to his needs, I had to take a class for 4 weeks that ran from 5-10PM almost every weeknight. This, in addition to Gilby's and my regular work schedule, stretched us a bit thin this holiday season, but the good news is that it's over and we're back to just our regular state of busyness!

Christmas has always been my most favorite time of year, but watching it as a mom through my kids' eyes is even better. I want for them to have great memories of the Christmas season, which is why we sometimes run ourselves ragged to make it special for them. It's all worth it in the end, and we haven't lost sight of the crux of what makes Christmas so special. We've been having frequent conversations about Jesus' birth and what it means for our lives. Tonight, Sydney informed me that Christmas Eve is the day Jesus was born and Christmas Day is when he had his birthday party. Something like that...

We kicked off the Christmas season by going Downtown Littleton the evening after Thanksgiving to watch Santa come down Main Street and turn on the lights. It was freeeeezing out. Santa was supposed to arrive at 6:00, but didn't come until 6:45. It was a bust. I didn't take any pictures.

Moving on...the next weekend we picked out and decorated our Christmas tree. Myles and Sydney were able to sit on Santa's lap (Ryker wasn't very excited about that idea). Myles had been so eager to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas. He walked in and immediately said, "Santa, Star Wars!" It was cute.

Ryker was really thorough at decorating the tree right at his eye level. He didn't move around much, but he covered that area like a boss!

The next weekend we went to the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association's Holiday Party. Always a good time with brunch, music, Santa, and a chance to connect with our friends in the DS community.

The following week Myles had his 1st grade holiday concert. He did so great singing and dancing with his classmates. We were proud parents watching him with his buddies.

Gilby and I got a night out the following Saturday at a work party. It was a much needed night of connection, yummy food, drinks, and laughter. I am so lucky to have colleagues who are also great friends!

 The only photo I took - but it's with my friend Allison, whom I adore, so I had to include it.

One thing we have not lacked this holiday season is Christmas music! We often have it playing at home and the kids love to dance and sing. 

Here they were dancing to Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," which always reminds me of my childhood.

This past weekend we went to Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens with my parents. Gilby was also there, but was with a group of adults with Down syndrome for a social outing and unfortunately we never caught up with them. It was a gorgeous evening at fifty degrees and we all enjoyed the many, many lights.

And just tonight, the eve of Christmas Eve, we may have started a new tradition. We had popcorn and fruit for dinner while watching a Christmas movie and wearing last year's Christmas jammies (which was Sydney's idea). The kids thought this was so special, but it honestly just started as my attempt to have an easy dinner without having to wrangle Ryker back to the table 50 times. It was a big hit for everyone, so I'm keeping that in mind for next year!

I love Christmas, but the actual day can be bittersweet because it means the end to another holiday season (and the beginning of the longest part of winter). The years are going by so quickly (more cliches, I know), and I know one day these kids won't be quite so innocent, and the season not quite the same. But, we're not there yet, so for now we will continue to make attempts to keep it magical, for the kids and us.