Christmas was magical this year. It started the day after Thanksgiving. The kids began watching Christmas movies and reading Christmas stories. It was a daily routine, the pretend Grinch (cartoon version) or the Polar Express. Madi asked her dad almost everyday to tell her a story about Christmas when he was a little kid - and she was specific. She wanted the story of when he set back all the clocks in the house so they could open all their presents earlier - or the story of when he unwrapped one of his presents early and had it taken away because he lied about where he got it. Gabe was excited about the presents. He would pick one of his (I think Madi told him which ones were his) and just "hold the present". He promised he wouldn't open them, he just wanted to hold them.
Madi made up crazy Christmas Wish Lists that included anything from a light for her room, a picture (nothing specific), a huge pillow, a bouncy ball and the list went on from there. Gabe he just wanted presents.
The kids enjoyed looking at the beautiful Christmas lights, especially the singing lights, Santa's that went up and down, and grinches. Madi said Santa couldn't come to our house unless we had lights in our front window. Needless to say, we added lights to our front window on Christmas Eve.
Grandma Valerie made all of the Messick grand kids matching pajamas. The kids talked to their Messick cousins in Arkansas over the web cam so that everyone could get their jammies at the same time.
Madi was very insistent that her stocking was hung on the front door. I even tried to move it a time or two, but it always made its way back to the front door.
A few cute stories: Dad took the kids Christmas shopping with him. They each got to pick out what they wanted to give Mom for Christmas. When they got home they sent Mom to her room so they could wrap presents downstairs. Mom deviated from her room and was found in the kitchen when Madi came upstairs with her gift to Mom. Madi was very upset and told Mom to get back in her room so that they could wrap presents. She was sure to tell Mom that "It is a secret, and you have to be in your room." Later Mom thanked Madi for getting her a present and Madi spouted "It's a spatula". The best part was the look on her face. She put her hands to her face and gasped. She had just spoiled the surprise. The secret was broken. She still says she is not very good at keeping secrets.
Madi woke up several mornings and had to check her stocking to see if anything was left for her. Many nights she checked outside to see if she could spot Rudolph.
