Julianna's Joy: Christmas at home

This was the first year in our married lives that we did not travel for the holidays. It was actually the first time ever that Christopher did not fly home for the holidays. There were a lot of things that went into making that decision, but anyone who has traveled with a year and a half old would understand. We were sad to not see the Poplins, but we did look forward to making the best of it and having a relaxed Christmas at home. It was nice to not have to deal with the stress of traveling. We got our Christmas tree the first weekend in December. Courtney loved the tree almost as much as I do. She quickly learned the word 'tree' and would say it constantly. It was the first thing she would say when she woke up. She liked the lights on it and would wiggle her finger at them. One night we took her to Hastings Ranch to drive through the neighborhood and look at lights. We got a couple ooohs and ahhhs from her, but not as much as I had expected. I think she was already a bit too tired to thoroughly enjoy it.

We spent Christmas Eve at my parents house and opened our gifts with them. Courtney took one item out of her stocking and then was over it. We helped her along with opening everything else, but at this age it is easy to get overloaded. We spent Christmas day at home and it took a good few hours to get through the gifts we had bought as well as the ones the Poplins and Bradleys had sent. She seemed to really enjoy her new toys. She played with each one and seemed to have trouble deciding what to do because she wanted to play with them all at the same time. Of course the wrapping paper, bows, and boxes were a bit hit as well. I made my first holiday meal at home (with Christopher's assistance). It turned out really well and we were able to eat at a normal pace and in silence during Courtney's nap. It was wonderful.

Today we took down the Christmas tree and boxed up the decorations. It was sad. I love Christmas and I was also sad for Courtney. I wondered what she is going to look forward to now as soon as she wakes up? Will she be disappointed that there is no tree when she goes downstairs? Of course, she really didn't seem to notice much of a difference and didn't complain at all, but I will miss hearing her little excited voice saying 'mama, treeeee'.