What Christmas Means to Me

Last Wednesday night in class we were asked "What does Christmas mean to you?"

For me, it's summed up in one word:

My mom started collecting Hallmark ornaments in the early 70's and has grown quite a collection through the years. I looked forward to decorating our Christmas tree each year and playing with those ornaments. I bet my dad superglued every one of them at some point. When Shannon and I got married, my mom divided up her Hallmark collection between us. However, I didn't receive my FAVORITE ornament (I'm not sure if mom knew it was my favorite or not?) which was a Santa Claus with chocolate chip cookies in his belly. Not sure why, but I just LOVED this ornament. I decided to research online and find out the title of the ornament which was called A Santa-Full and luckily found it on eBay.

Every year when I decorate my Christmas tree, it's covered in Hallmark. My kids enjoy the ornaments and floods of memories and stories fill my mind with each one. I love shopping the day after Christmas so I can get lots of Hallmarks for half-price. Each year, I try to buy a few that represent the year and ones that I want to give to my children one day. This year, I bought lots of Disney since it was our first trip there in the spring. I also bought a lawnmower for Miles, a budding artist for Isaac, princesses for Karson, and smooching fish for Andrew and MacKenzie's engagement. The kids also have mini-Christmas trees with mini-Hallmarks.

I didn't take to many photos this Christmas but Matt got a couple.

Christmas Eve morning with my side of the family at my mom and dad's house.

Karson (and Elizabeth) putting on a Puppet show with her new finger puppet theater.

I love our expanding Deaton family and by this I mean, adding sister-in-laws, not waistlines or babies (ah-ump Heather R.).

Christmas Eve night at Mamaw Deaton's.

Karson and her cousin Duncan. Karson asked Santa for a Nintendo DS this Christmas. Duncan had his DS on Christmas Eve and Karson just hovered over him watching the whole time.

Christmas morning at our house. It looked like our house threw up toys =).

Karson got a DSi and some new games. She also loved her "science" things. My little smart girl wants to be a vet when she grows up.Isaac got LEGO's. It's a toss up which toy I despise more, Polly Pocket or LEGO??? As FUN as these toys are, they have so many teeny tiny pieces that flood every square inch of the house. You know me, organized me, I have all the LEGO instruction booklets in ziplock freezer bags. Polly, on the other hand, has been banished to the attic. Isaac got four huge LEGO sets this Christmas. Our dining room table is covered with the LEGO city line.

Miles got a new bike. Toys R Us had some incredible sales this season, and I was able to get his bike for a steal of a deal =). Miles, however, repeatedly asked Santa for "guys", and by this he means, PowerRangers, GI Joes, super heroes, etc. So, Santa delivered a pack of PowerRangers with his bike. I don't think he even noticed his bike and has played with those Rangers a TON. Hopefully, he'll get some good use of his bike this spring =).

We spent Christmas afternoon with Matt's granny and grandad's family and Christmas evening at his parents house. We're very fortunate being able to celebrate with so many people. Our kids sure are lucky to be loved so much.

Hope everyone had an extra special Christmas!!!