My parents always do a great job spoiling the kids, and they always do a great job making the holidays special. Adoption is hard and our days can be challenging so when we can have fun, we all try really hard and the holidays have always been a special time. Grandma and Grandpa usually try and come up with a big gift at the end for the kids. This year was a big boat for the pool filled with snacks and money. My parents are always very creative, and we always appreciate how much they do!
We had a great Christmas Eve celebration with Grandma and Grandpa. We went to church for Christmas Eve service, out to dinner for our traditional Chinese dinner, home to take some pictures, open our one "surprise" present which is always new pajamas and Christmas socks, and then time to put cookies out for Santa. Then, everyone comes to our room to watch a movie and spend the night. This insures there is no peeking in the middle of the night! Grandma and Grandpa will be back to celebrate in the morning.
I try to make lots of traditions for the kids and one is decorating gingerbread houses. I am sure it will only be a matter of time before they will tire of this tradition, but I will continue for as long as I can! Everyone had a good time and they did a good job. The key is to give each person their own!
Juan is now playing the trumpet at Odyssey and got to participate in the Christmas parade. It was a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and brought back memories of my childhood when I use to march in parades! I think he had a good time!
