Christmas 2008

Christmas was wonderful for our family! There are times that I wish it could be a bit more low key, but then that wouldn't be a normal Akin Christmas now would it? We went to my Nanny's on Christmas Eve, as usual. I was the only one of my moms kids there this year which was a bit weird. We were also missing my cousin Joanna who was at the hospital picking up her new son, Gunner Avery. It is so cute to hear his big sister Lilly say his name!

Here are my cousin's cute kids



My nanny with all her loot. As soon as we start to open gifts she starts in with, "I know it's not enough!" and we all scream "Nanny, be quiet!" And she always says she has too much! But she does so much for us.

When we get home and put away all of our wonderful gifts, we always read about the birth of Christ from either Mark or Luke. We then put out cookies and milk for Santa even though my kids do not believe. (more on that later) And of course, the traditional under the tree picture.


On Christmas morning, we got our kids pretty good. But it also made me sad. We had our traditional 3 gifts (because that is what Jesus got) out and they started opening. They were basically very cheap gifts because we had splurged on a big gift for the family. As they opened them, they were happy and excited. We did not put the big gift out. And one of their three gifts was for the big gift. I told them I had gotten the wrong thing. Andrew very sweetly said, "that's ok, mommy. We like everything." They then started to play. No complaints, just joy over basically $1 gifts. My stomach literally hurt and tears came to my eyes. There are a lot of families that can only afford that or nothing at all for their children. Yet, these kids hear how Santa can bring them anything. This was the first Christmas that our neighbors have had in in 3 years. She as a single mom who is sick could not afford it. I remember her kids telling me that they had been good so that Santa would come yet they never came over here. Yes, there dad gave them gifts but they were confused why Santa didn't come at moms. So that my friends, is the main reason I am not a Santa fan. My kids still have the "magic" feeling of Christmas. They love the lights, the gift giving and receiving, the decorations, the music. They love Christmas. They do not feel like they miss out on anything at all. I have had comment from family members on how I ruined Christmas for my children. I think I did them a favor. They were so confused about santa and Christ's birth until we told them the truth. Yes we told them. Aren't we horrible?! ;-)And now I am getting off my santa box and I will show you the big gift!




Can you guess?! Yes, we bought a wii for the entire family. I normally have an allotted amount that I spend on each child. (btw, this amount will never change, even as they grow older. They can opt for money when teenagers.That way I can afford Christmas for their spouses and children without taking from them. My smart mom taught me this.) They LOVE it! They have had the best time. Actually, we all have.
After that we had our traditional IHOP breakfast!

We then went and picked up Chelsea. We always save our stockings for when she is here. She opened her gifts. (yes, she opted for some money.) And then we did stockings!


After some time at home (and mimi and pop trying out the wii) we headed to ninny & papa's. We opened gifts and stockings (which are HUGE!) then Chels had another Christmas to go to. We played with our toys, (we brought the will of course) and ate a spectacular meal.

Whew! Typing that wore me out! We were busy! But it was fun. Like Mikki said, they are times you cannot get back. We enjoyed every minute of them!