Clark is always the first one up in the morning, but on Christmas morning he decided to sleep in. The girls waited patiently for him but couldn't wait any longer and woke him up around 8. They all raced downstairs and were so excited that Santa came.
Isabella didn't really ask for anything specific this year. At the beginning of Dec. she said she wanted a Barbie Dream House because that is what her friend was asking for. Well, the girls have the most amazing dollhouse and there is no way I was going to buy a plastic toy that they would tire of quickly. After a week or two, she stopped requesting it. She did say that she wanted an iPod but always followed it up with, "I know Santa won't bring that to me because I'm too young." Yep-- right on. So, she really didn't want anything specific and neither did Olivia. Olivia and Clark would spend time pouring over the countless catalogs that were sent and circled just about everything in them. They had a lot of fun doing this. Clark wanted a monster truck and a dump truck-- those were his only requests.
I tried reminding them over and over that Christmas isn't about receiving gifts but about giving gifts. I think they got the message as they accompanied me on several shopping trips when we bought toys for kids in need and family.
I think we did a pretty good job of getting things they needed like new shoes and clothes and just a few gifts-- nothing too crazy. They were happy. Next year I'd like to purchase only 3 gifts for each child. I think that if I set their expectations early in life-- then they will be happy with the 3 gifts they receive and will not expect more. Plus, toys and clutter make me crazy so less is always more at our house.
We spent the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying family and friends- it was a nice, stress free day.
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