This was our first Christmas in Virginia! Because we are still in a temporary space, and we are still under COVID restrictions, this year looked quite a bit different, even aside from being away from family and friends. But we tried to make the best of it, and I think we still made some fun memories with the kids!
Mike had to work on Christmas Eve {welcome back to pastoral ministry!}, so the kids and I did some fun activities when I got back from my infusion. I hid some candy canes around the hotel room and we had our very own candy cane hunt! Super simple, and the kiddos loved it. I'd like to try to do this outside next year {it was pouring down rain all day on Christmas Eve this year}, but I don't think anyone noticed...they were just looking for those candy canes!
I bought Starburst flavored candy canes, (1) because Mommy doesn't like peppermint, and (2) the package had 3 different flavors/colors = one for each kid. Each kid could hunt for their assigned color, without anyone getting more than the other. Mom hack, right there. You're welcome :)
Anxiously waiting to be "released" to start hunting candy canes
Aiden was ready to try his candy cane!
We watched the Christmas Eve service online, and I am so glad we were able to join our new church family this way. Even though we couldn't be there in person this year, we are thankful we still got to participate in all the Christmas carols, Scripture reading, and candlelight service. The kids thought it was so fun to see Daddy on TV haha!
Waiting for the livestream to start
Intently listening to the piano playing
"Hey, that's Daddy on the TV!"
Christmas morning, we had breakfast, decorated our {felt} Christmas tree, and then opened presents. We kept it simple this year, as we don't have a lot of space for new things right now, and it was really easy to do that with our 3 gift tradition. Each kid got something to create with, something to read, and something to wear. And we added 1 family gift of something to play with {a game to play together}.
I usually wrap the kids' presents in their own wrapping paper. I picked out one for Aiden that had dinosaurs on it, but it turned out to be impossible to rip open. Poor kid! He needed lots of help to get his presents open, and that's the last time Mommy buys that type of wrapping paper again haha!
So excited for presents!
I love that they love books :)
Daddy opening his gifts!
We got to Zoom with Granny and Grumpz, and then Grandma, Papa, and Uncle Michael. It was sad that we couldn't be together in person, but we are so thankful that we are still able to "see" each other for Christmas. It definitely doesn't replace being in person, but it's a sweet blessing to have the technology to enjoy some time together.
Christmas looked different this year, in so many ways. But we are grateful for the unchanging God who sent His Son so we could be adopted into one family. Merry Christmas!
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