Joy and Giving

Alex and Isabella,

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. I can't believe Christmas has come and gone. But boy, did we celebrate this year! We spent Thanksgiving weekend in Ocean City watching Christmas movies and going to see the Christmas lights and Santa at Northside Park. We decorated gingerbread houses with our neighbors. We made cookies with our cousins. We celebrated at school with pageants and parties. We had breakfast with Santa, and you were both so good that he gave you each an early present. On Christmas Eve, we spent the day at Nana and Pop Pop's and then we went to church where we lit candles and sang Christmas songs. I admit, I teared up a little when I saw your little faces lit up by candlelight and heard your little voices singing Silent Night. After church we spent the evening at Aunt Mela's, where Isabella, you entertained us with your renditions of Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas (complete with hand motions and hip wiggling). When we got home, Daddy helped you hang your stockings and we all piled on Alex's bed and read Twas the Night Before Christmas.

We woke up in the morning to find more presents than I have ever seen before. We spent the morning opening gifts and playing with all of your new toys. Alex, you took your time and played with each toy. Isabella, you tore the paper off each gift exclaiming, "Just what I always wanted! Thank you Santa." And then you wanted another to open. In true party animal fashion, Alex, you asked if we would have a Christmas party for Jesus' birthday, and of course we said yes. Our family came over and we celebrated with lots of food and laughter.

Daddy and I have always loved Christmas. But this Christmas was the best one ever. Alex, our little Christmas baby, you learned the true meaning of Christmas this year. You bought gifts for others and were so excited to give. And I am most proud of the way you day in and
day out gave your sister the gift of love. Isabella, this Christmas you brought us so much joy. You were so excited to see the Christmas lights, to sing Christmas songs, and you just loved everything Christmas. There is nothing like experiencing Christmas through the eyes and wonderment of a child. Isabella your joy was contagious.

Thank you for making this Christmas so very special. I love you both with all my heart.
Momma

PS - They say a picture is worth 1000 words....