Christmas at the Campbell House

Post date: Dec 27, 2012 7:28:06 PM

I know I'm a few days late, but we are super busy around Christmas and not home much at all.

Let me start by saying that Christmas has become so much more magical with a toddler. The simple things such as lights, decorations, and music are the biggest deal to my little man. I have always loved all three of those things, but found a new appreciation for them this year, seeing them through Ryan's eyes. Every evening he would run to the door yelling, "lights, lights". We would walk outside and check out our Christmas lights and even ride around to check more out. Each night he would also stare at the tree and point out his favorite ornaments. I had several people warn me that he would be into all the decorations and I probably wouldn't be able to keep the tree up through the season but Ryan is so good about not touching things. He never messed with any of the ornaments or other decorations. He has always listened well when it comes to things he shouldn't mess with. Even at other houses he knows exactly what he is allowed to touch and what should be left alone. I hope that continues!!!

-Decorating the Christmas tree with Mommy

Ryan had a love/hate relationship with Santa throughout the month. He absolutely adored his Santa stuffed animal and his Santa books (of course). However, in person, Santa was not as exciting. It took us 5 attempts for Ryan to sit on Santa's lap this year. Each visit, we would get a little bit closer until Ryan finally felt comfortable enough to sit with Santa.

Jamie had Ryan help him make chocolate covered pretzels again this year. I believe Ryan ate more pretzels than he dipped. Then, he got tired and took a nap. He sure was excited when he got up to see the kitchen counter covered with delicious treats!! Maybe next year Ryan can help out even more with this holiday tradition!

When Christmas day arrived and it was time to open gifts, Ryan wasn't sure what to do. He looked at all of his gifts under the tree and immediately ran to his Elmo slippers (not wrapped) and wanted them on. He was so excited about those that it took awhile for him to tear into his wrapped presents. Once he would open a gift, he had to check it out and play with it before moving on. When he opened a book he wanted it read, and read, and read again before opening more. It got to the point where we had to hide the books in order for him to finish opening gifts. This boy LOVES to read over anything else. We read all throughout the day and if I leave the room to make dinner or do laundry, I come back to find him in the middle of a pile of books jabbering about each one. It's the cutest thing.

Ryan was lucky enough to open gifts at our house, then move on to Grammy and Grandpa's house, and also go to Nana and Papaw's house for more. He had quite the Christmas and was one happy and very tired boy!! Now, we just have to figure out what to do with all of his new items.