Is it still Christmas-time?

This was our first year without a real Christmas tree... and we went crazy and let Josiah pick out the new tree.  Of all things, he fell in love with this white tree with colored lights (which I begrudgingly consented to after trying to sway him towards all the classier, more natural ones).  He woke up every morning to come see the tree and would say over and over "I really like my white Christmas tree!"  Although it took a little while, it eventually grew on me too.  In fact, now I don't want to take it down! 
 

Making a gingerbread house (a first for all 3 of us!)  Josiah has had very little candy ever, and as soon as we poured the candies out to start decorating, he grabbed as many as he could and wouldn't stop eating them!  It's a wonder there was any left for the house!

We spend Christmas Eve with my side of the family...   First at Nana & Papa's house (where I didn't take any pictures), and then on to my parents house.  We had a delicious fried turkey (thanks to Mike), seafood lasagna, beef brisket and a bunch more yummy food.  Josiah and I made sugar cookies while we waited for dinner, and then we all headed upstairs to spoil each other rotten with presents. 

A snowboard for my 2 1/2 year old?!!   Grammy of all people did this one... we're going together to Massanutten in a few weeks, and I guess she couldn't resist :)

We spent Christmas morning at home with just the 3 of us.  I had all intentions of trying to keep it to a modest 3 presents for Josiah, but once we found a fourth gift, we just somehow kept going.  Nothing too elaborate, but he had lots to open and he's enjoying his Ikea easel, Jungle Junction toys, Chuggington trains, and Little People amusement park. 

The rest of Christmas Day was spent with Mike's side of the family.   Once again, Josiah got lots of fun new toys (including an electronic drum set, picnic table and lots of cool cars).  Mike even got some toys of his own, and we had another delicious fried turkey and a great day with family.

The one thing I don't have pictures or video of, was probably the best part of our Christmas season:  reading our Advent book together each night.  Josiah really learned the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus, and he amazed us by his ability to recite much of it himself.  He also really enjoyed giving gifts to people, and since he was with me when I did most of the shopping, I had to remind him not to spoil the surprise by telling people what we bought them (which he did anyway on several occasions).   I hope the rest of you have had a wonderful holiday.  As always, it goes by too fast!