Christmas Traditions

This year, because Brad and I have been so busy with our respective jobs and raising two children, I started early and decided that getting or coordinating one present per day was the only way to get everyone taken care of, and it worked nicely! It was fun to focus on one person or family for a whole day and to know I could check something off my list each day as well.
Also, this year, for the first time, Thorvald is old and aware enough to be interested in helping with Christmas preparations, and he and I put up a string of lights on the deck, set out the nativity and nutcrackers and angel chime, and when Brad ended up with a small garland, Thorvald and I got some small decorations and put that up as well. I kind of like the idea of a Christmas garland instead of a tree--why do we need to cut down a whole tree? The garland is size-perfect for our condo and smells and looks lovely. Thorvald and I had a lot of fun and I'm really enjoying teaching him about Christmas and holidays and gift-giving as well. He carefully selected little presents for his most regularly seen friends and has delighted in wrapping and delivering them too.
I'm looking forward to spending a few days with Dad and Mike and others, having our regular sausages-in-orange juice, sweet bread, eggs, and eggnog breakfast, and visiting with family and friends in the next few weeks. Merry Christmas!