This was a really sweet Christmas for the House family, because it was our first with Tripp! Last year we announced to everyone at the family gathering that Tripp was on the way. This year, we had him with us to celebrate. I'm sure we aren't the only young parents who struggle to know how to spend time with your families at Christmas, start your own family traditions, and actually focus on Jesus as the center of your celebration. In retrospect, we both would say this was really hard for us and we learned some life lessons in the process.
Our major conclusions after all was said and done were:
1. We want to honor and celebrate Jesus every day, and especially during this season.
2. We want to be givers, not takers and use this season as a time to give more.
3. Traveling too much causes an incredible amount of stress. We have to make decisions based on what is best for our family, and then make decisions about spending time with the rest of our family. We really love being with our families, but if we are tired and stressed when we do it's not enjoyable for anyone.
We also started our first and only Christmas tradition this year. Before we left town to visit family we has a really small celebration at our house. I debated whether to make a traditional, big meal but we decided to keep it simple. We made homemade pizza (which is DT's favorite meal) and opened gifts together. From now on, Christmas Eve will consist of pizza and gift exchange between our family!
Here is our Christmas chronicled in pictures:
Picking out our first Christmas tree together
All decorated! I think next year we may have to switch to colored lights.
He really loved looking at the tree. Next year I won't be able to keep him out of it!
Macy Girl Dog all dressed up for Christmas
Our stockings!
This is how Macy felt about her Christmas collar.
Celebrating with my mom and grandmom, Ma-Ma.
Good ole' Ma-Ma opening her gifts.
Tripp and Grandma J.
The gifts DT gave me...he was VERY proud of his wrapping. I think he did a fabulous job.
Christmas socks from Bill & Oopsie Daisy.
Dad's excited about Christmas morning. Look at the loot behind him!
Tripp and Daddy out in the snow!!!
Auntie K in her jammies with Tripp in the snow.
Aunt Kathryn gave Tripp this AWESOME book for Christmas. We love it!
Our pitiful family Christmas picture.
The snow outside DT's parents' house. Isn't it beautiful?
Snowman the Causby's & Keuhnert's built.
Tripp reading with Su-Su while everyone else played outside in the snow. Next year buddy!
