Celebrating Christmas Eve

The day before Christmas was filled with anticipation and anxiousness. All of which was felt by me. To Gavin it was just a Monday. To me it was the eve before Gavin's first real experience with Christmas and Chad wasn't here to help me. I was excited about seeing Gavin's reaction to Santa coming. I was overwhelmed by the void of not having Chad here. I wanted the next day to be special and wonderful and fun for Gavin.

The highlight of Christmas Eve came when we heard the familiar ringing of Skype on the tv. (My dad got a Smart TV and we are able to Skype with Chad on it. Gavin is still amazed at being able to see his dad on a 67" television screen.) Chad had ordered some gifts for Gavin and we wanted him to open one of them in front of Chad so they could share a moment together. And what a moment it was!! Chad had given him a Thomas the Train play tent and Gavin's reaction to it could not have been more perfect if I planned it. He kept screaming "Train! Train!" It was so special watching Gavin show his dad his new toy and Chad being able to see him enjoy it. There is only so much you can convey through email or pictures. We are so blessed by the technology of Skype. It is the reason that Chad and Gavin's relationship has been able to continue and grow. It's effect on our family has been priceless.

As a family tradition, we always go over to my Uncle Lynn's house for Christmas Eve dinner. We used to have such a small family get together but over the years there have been marriages and births that have given our family a major growth spurt! We shared a delicious dinner and marveled in the delight of the kids opening their gifts. I remember being so excited about being able to open a gift on Christmas Eve. I can't wait for my son to feel that excitement as well.

Getting ready for dinner. (I am going to have a time with that thumb!!)

All the cousins watching Baby Einstein on Gavin's DVD player.

After we got home, we watched the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. It is one of my favorites. I love the rhyming, a love the narrator and of course I love the message.

 



So this Christmas Eve was special. We got to spend it with my family, including my grandmother. I finally got to bed and was able to go to sleep. It was ridiculous how Gavin drifted right off to sleep and I was the one tossing and turning and watching the clock. Oh to be a parent!!!