Any time a person ventures off on their own, they soon realize it's all up to them what holiday traditions they embrace from their childhood and which ones they discard. Other than driving around looking at Christmas lights, my family didn't do much of anything for Christmas, so it's been extra special trying to figure out what special things we want Mason to experience every holiday season. The plan this year was dinner at Grandma B's, one present, and bed. It didn't quite work out that way though....

Around lunch time, Mason's Uncle Russ and Aunt Jen stopped to visit, which was a great treat because we only usually see them every fall, so to see them twice in just a few months was super nice! Mason was way less shy this time, although it was also in the middle of his normal nap time, so he was wound up beyond all belief. And, total fail, we didn't take any pictures.

After they left, it was nap time and then we were going to Grandma B's house for a giant lasagna dinner and to open our Christmas Eve gift - a pair of new pajamas to wear the next morning! Unfortunately at about 3:00, Grandma B called to cancel our plans because she wasn't feeling well. We were able to rush to the store before they closed and hamburger to make dinner with (tator tot hotdish) so it all worked out okay despite being a fairly lazy evening at home. We watched A Charlie Brown Christmas to make up for it.

Right before Mason went to bed, I got a text from Auntie Sarah asking if he could open one of his presents from her that night still.  We decided one extra present wouldn't kill him and let him have at it.

In case you can't tell, it's one of those "Read a Story" books so now he can hear Auntie Sarah read him Frosty the Snowman any time he wants. How cool is that?!? He totally loved it and wanted to play it again and again.

Next, he opened his pajamas next and he hugged them and said "Blaaaanky" and then said "Ni ni?" so we knew it was time for bed!

First Christmas Even with Toddler Mason? Totally a success!

This time last year - Christmas Morning in Pictures