Written December 25…
Dear Avery, Today was your first Christmas. A month or two ago, I was getting teary eyed telling your daddy how your first big holidays were coming up so soon and once they were done, your first Christmas (and Thanksgiving) would be over… and that was a sad thought for me. And here I am, 11 pm on your first Christmas. For all intents and purposes, it’s over. But, I am not sad! I am happy, content, blessed. Happy to have been able to share a couple wonderful days with our family. Content because we have all we need… more than we need. Content because your first Christmas was filled with many smiles and laughs. Blessed to have a beautiful daughter and a wonderful husband. Blessed to have fabulous parents, in laws, siblings, nieces, nephews, etc. Blessed to be able to celebrate Christmas, Christ’s birth, with the knowledge of what that means in the bigger picture… the picture that includes the Easter story and the hope we have in Jesus.
On Christmas Eve, we went to church followed by Mrozik (your Grandma Dertien’s side) family time at Aunt Barb’s house. There was lots of food and laughter. You’ll learn that that’s pretty typical for when this family gets together. Always a good time! You opened your first Christmas presents there. You weren’t completely into tearing open presents, but you did great for your first try!
On Christmas day, after breakfast, we opened presents. You got three presents from Mommy and Daddy. Three is not an arbitrary number. When you open gifts, we want you to think of why we have Christmas. The real reason is because of Jesus’ birth. We do three gifts to remind you that the wise men brought Jesus three gifts. Midday, we went to Papa and Grandma Cumings’ house. We ate, opened stockings and opened gifts. You especially enjoyed the books that you got there. You and your cousin Keagan got several matching gifts. It’s so fun! Can’t wait for you two to wear some of your outfits together! Then we visited with the family. Later we went to Grandpa and Grandma Dertien’s house. You got to see Aunt Jan, Aunt Sandy,and Daddy’s cousin Mark. After eating a yummy dinner, we opened presents. By this time, you are officially spoiled by family that loves you bunches and bunches. You were getting fussy by the end of the day, but did a really great job for being up late two nights in a row!
We have many great memories from your first Christmas. We look forward to continue the current and making more traditions in years to come! We love you!
Love, Mommy (and Daddy too!)
