Christmas Morning

This Christmas we were all excited to see what Santa left for Xander under the tree, but first Mama and Dada celebrated Christmas together with their own gifts.  They knew they had some time to do this before Xander woke up to start his day.  

Here you can see all the presents from Dada to Mama on the left, Mama to Dada in the middle and Santa to Xander on the right.  On the far right is a red bag of presents from Mama and Dada to Xander and of course the kitty stockings from all of us to the kitties.  We never leave the kitties out!

Last year, Xander was a little young to understand what presents were and why they were fun.  This year was a bit of a struggle too.  He just wanted to play with the toys he already has and didn't know that Christmas was a time to get NEW toys to play with!  So at first, he wasn't all that into it, as you can see...

But then some toys really got him excited!  This one was a puzzle that makes noise.  Santa didn't realize the elves left the batteries out of it, so Mama had to remedy that situation during the next present opening and Xander liked the puzzle even more after that!

Not really into "reindeer" games tho...

But REALLY into guitars!  Xander already has an animal sounds guitar that he really likes, so Santa thought he would like this music guitar.  It plays songs like Message In A Bottle and Love Shack - Xander really likes this one!

One of his favorite toys of the day was his Xylophone.  Not only was it orange (his favorite) but it makes music!  He loves music and banging on things, so this is just the perfect toy for him.  Thanks, Santa!

Muters was keeping Xander's stocking warm... or rather was using the stocking to keep herself warm...

Then it was time to try and hide under the table...

Sark wanted in on the action too.  We spent much of the day keeping the kitties from eating the tree.

We had to open things in shifts between meals, and Xander didn't get to open his gifts from Mama and Dada until later in the week, but check out all his loot from Santa!  A drum and instrument set, Sesame Street play house, tons of books, a sound making puzzle with vehicle shapes, a cool tiger xylophone/piano, a wicked awesome guitar and a ton of books.  And that was just what Santa brought.  He also got good stuff from his Grandparents, great Aunt Marge, Auntie Samara and Uncle Jeremy.

We think that by next Christmas, Xander will be more into the process of presents and the idea of new toys waiting under the tree.  But we aren't in a rush to get there - the little man is already growing up way too fast!