Christmas was like all the pieces of a picture coming together. This was Daniel and my first Christmas as a married couple. We also had all the girls for Christmas Day, which meant that we actually celebrated Christmas as a nuclear family. It’s been six years since that happened in our family and Daisy is 7 years old, if that gives you any perspective.

It’s not that we didn’t have nice Christmas’ during that time, but it sure was nice having someone to share the day’s responsibilities and joys. We only get Ainsley and Daisy every other year. I’m so glad that our first Christmas as a family fell on a year when we did have them.

Thinking back on the years, I’ve been so blessed to have friends who filled in the gaps for us. My friend Jen always invited us over for an Italian style Christmas dinner. We were incorporated into their family, which helped because who really wants to make a big Christmas dinner for little girls who don’t eat much.

This year, Daniel, my awesome husband and wonderful chef, headed up the kitchen and treated us to a delectable dinner. We had over 25 people here, including family and friends, who also pitched in. It was a true Christmas feast!

We were also able to continue the Christmas traditions I started with the girls when they were tiny. We went to Christmas Eve service, came home and let the girls open one Christmas gift. This gift is always pajamas to ward off disappointment at choosing the socks/underwear box AND because this way, I know they will look cute the next morning. Then we read ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas….although this year we listened to it via YouTube since I couldn’t find my book. (I assure you…typical “April”)

When the kids were smaller I also used to give them hot chocolate and put them in the car to go look at Christmas lights right before bed. This works like a dream, because warm milk and driving in a car put all little ones to sleep. 🙂

Of course, there were still some surprises for us on Christmas. For instance, this snake Jerilyn managed to catch. It’s her new best friend. I know many of you would have been shocked to see your child with this…for us, it’s just another day with Jerilyn. 🙂

I know that this is just the beginning for our new family and I am so excited to make new Christmas memories in the years to come. Merry Christmas all!!