Baby's First Christmas!

What a wonderful Christmas we had!

It was Eden's first Christmas, but it felt like Luba's and my first Christmas too. We have traveled every Christmas since he moved to the US. I've never not been in Mississippi for the holiday. Because we are never here and usually in a rush, we have never put up a Christmas tree. It just seemed like so much work to not be here to enjoy it and then return only to take it down.

This year was so different because of Eden. Children really do add a new element to holidays. I felt more excitement for this Christmas just because of her. 

We started earlier than usual. Mom was here before Thanksgiving so we put the tree up with her here. Max and Niko helped as well. 

We started thinking about what traditions we want to start as a family as she grows. We started a few this year.

We visited Santa! He could not believe how good Eden was. He said it was rare for him to have a baby that sat there and kept calm.

 We weren't prepared to be in pictures but the gal convinced us. Only Eden was dressed accordingly. 

I love Eden is holding the sign too!

We got a new ornament for the family! When she is older, she can pick out an ornament for herself, so for now, I got one that represents the family. My sister also got her an ornament. I love Christmas trees with meaningful ornaments so that you can recount stories and recall memories with each placement of the ornament.

 family ornament 

 ornament from my sister

made at daycare

We hung stockings, which is something we never really did when I was young. We sometimes had them up for decor but they were never filled with items on Christmas Eve. Luba and I opted to only buy each other what would fit in the stocking, and we had a $ limit. We were able to sneak in the goods on Christmas Eve. It was a first for me to wake up and see what was in my stocking!

no mantle, no problem

We also got Christmas pajamas! I did not do this growing up either, but I've loved seeing other families do it. I saved her first pair!

In the future, I want to put up a nativity scene and be able to recount the Christmas story with Eden year after year. I want it to be tangible so that she can pick them up and place the pieces as she hears the story. Why have a fragile Nativity set that's "look, don't touch." That's exactly the "religion" and mindset I want her to avoid. I want it in her hands in every which way. I want her to have a fun Christmas with all the magic and Santa but I also want her to know the true meaning of Christmas and keep focus on what is important. 

We did Christmas the weekend before the actual date so we could have a day with "just us" before heading to Mississippi. We designated the 17th as "our Christmas" and woke up to breakfast casserole and gifts. We also had a traditional lunch with turkey and dressing. My sister and her family came over so the kids could exchange gifts. 

getting a little help from her cousin Niko

We spent the actual holiday with my parents in Mississippi. We went halfway the first night and stayed in Winona. We were so excited to see my childhood friend, Candice, and her family for dinner!

 little girl big bed

 dinner with the Durhams

 staring contest 

Eden has such a fan club! We got to see other friends of mine at a CD launch party for my friend's son, Kaden Slay. [Check out his CD on iTunes!]

I got the flu for Christmas so it was a rough drive back, but luckily Eden and Luba were spared. The fact that Eden didn't get it was a Christmas miracle because I sat in the backseat with her for most of the drive.

We hope you also had a wonderful Christmas or holiday!

Danielle