A Child's Christmas

There is nothing more joyous than a child at Christmastime. Tessa sleeps with us every single night. On occasion she will take naps in her own bed but our bed is a family bed.

Tonight was something different. She knew Santa does not come until each child is asleep so in her bed she went and quietly put herself to sleep.

Scott and I stood outside her room in the hall nearly blown over that she was so committed to sleeping for Santa.

In our efforts to downsize the gift-giving of the season to focus on the season and celebration itself, I am proud Santa got only a few things - just what was on her very short list and a few other small things. She asked for a ball, a doll and candy, with ice skates coming up very last minute.

We now have a queen and princess figure since we spend so much time talking about magic kingdoms.

A Starry Night silkscape we were all excited about.

A Ring Pop was surely enjoyed.

Santa left the sweetest Father Christmas figurine that she was so excited about.

And the prize of it all was this beautiful rainbow dolly.

A darling floor puzzle.

Even Maggie got a present - wrapping paper!

And a bouncy ball that she can hang on to as she jumps.

She was just so cheerful and was sharing love all around.

Tessa got a huge lot of dolly clothes too although, she was trying to put them on herself.

To top off the morning, we spent time at our Advent table lighting each of the kingdom candles and finally the center candle to represent Jesus's birth.