After putting out the usual treats and letters for Santa, it was off to bed for a short nap. We were off to Midnight Mass once again. The boys were more than a little excited. They arose bright and early and started with their stockings while the coffee brewed and breakfast vittles were prepared.
Much of what Walker found were Lego mini figures while Mason’s was stuffed with the Disney Infinity discs, a compass and a hammer.
The tree was bountifully surrounded by a gifts of all sizes
and pets were invited to join in the festivities. Striker sat on Mason’s lap for a while and Greg III rolled in his ball.
The large boxes sat out by the tree for a few weeks so the boys were more than eager to find out what big gifts Bill and I gave them this year.
Just a few more moments of suspense…
What always impresses me is how much effort our boys invest in choosing gifts that will make the other members of our family happy. I credit Bill for that trait. He has a penchant for listening to subtly mentioned desires and for encouraging hobbies and habits with accessories. That being said, Walker chose a stuffed Minecraft Enderman and a rainbow loom kit for Mason (even bought those under his nose). Mason was so smitten that he couldn’t contain his love.
Likewise, Mason knocked Walker’s socks off with some loom accessories, a wooden top toy and a giant peg board for Perler beads.
Then it was my turn. My name was on a number of gifts and a stocking full of gum and treats. Besides the nativity snow globe (pictured in the photo below next to my coffee mug), the boys presented me with a picture of Pope Francis. The backstory is touching. My grandmother has always had pictures of noteworthy Catholics in her home. Growing up, I remember seeing JFK and Pope John Paul II. Knowing my endearment to my grandmother, the boys decided to follow suit. Pope Francis’s photo was easy to find where they often go for gifts for me.
My mom surprised my dad with his big gift—a sweater Dad picked out for his birthday but that he didn’t receive in early December. She secretly shipped it from California and he was thrilled. Mom launched into the story and Dad ate it all up.
Then it was Bill’s turn. A trip to Rural King fulfilled so many of our gift suggestions for the man who is all about Dutch oven cooking, smoking (as in low and slow cooking) and bird watching. He received disposable liners for the oven, a special lid lever, a Dutch oven cookbook and a plethora of bird feeders and suet balls.
Mason and Walker dove into gifts from Grandma and Papa. Each received a new apron and accessories to enhance current interests. For Mason, it was oven mitts, a Cuisinart immersion blender and a load of cooking utensils. Walker opened an assortment of cake decorating supplies including new tips, icing tints and disposable decorator bags.
Of course, they also clad them with new shirts as well.
Big smiles were abundant after they opened Amazon gift cards from California both North and South.
Among other things, Santa filled the bookshelves with new reads like this graphic novel edition of A Wrinkle in Time.
After opening the cowl I knit in front of her face and behind her back, she too found aprons under the tree with her name on them.
The rest of Christmas day included lounging around and leisurely investigating the new gifts, The game chairs Bill and I gave to the boys were the perfect size for kids and adults alike.
Walker plugged in and set to establish himself as the ‘tween that he is.
Christmas festivities stretched out until it was time for a very traditional turkey dinner and dessert. We stuck a candle in the pumpkin pie and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. It was a lovely way to a day filled with gratitude and blessings.
What a great day! I feel like I was there.