Smiling Shelly's Stories

Helloooooooo Blogville!!!

Welcome to 2009!

This was the best Holiday season that I can remember our little family having in many, many years. Granted, my memory is not what it used to be and I have slept a few times since all of the Holidays of the past have come and gone, so those memories may be dulled; nevertheless, I still believe this will go down as one of the best.

As you all know, we simplified Christmas this year by cutting the amount of gifts we exchange down to three each (plus whatever Santa brought).

I will admit that I was a little nervous about the outcome of this 'cut back' but I am pleased to report that it turned out to be an excellent decision. It really helped to put the focus back on what Christmas is all about. As we opened our presents we discussed the birth of Jesus and what each of the gifts represented.

With a limited amount of gifts, it didn't feel as overwhelming as it has in years past and there was more of an appreciation towards what was received.

On top of all that, this was the first year that we were able to comfortably enjoy Christmas morning. By that I mean that we were warm!! Our old house was freezing in the winter time - yet another reason that we absolutely love our new home :D

So, what was received you ask??

Well, funny you should inquire....I just happen to have a couple of pictures. :)

Here we have the Laptop and Dollhouse from Santa

(Do you think they liked what he got them?)

Speaking of Santa, he even brought a few things for daddy - like this DeWalt drill set (complete with drill bits).

Wow! That Santa must be one cool dude - either that or Mrs. Claus wants a few things done around the new house. ;)

This year, Santa even had a chimney that he could come down; and he didn't even have to worry about burning his big butt - as I explained in this post. ;)

By the way, Santa coming down the chimney was a huge topic of conversation with the four year old this year.

The stocking stuffers were a couple of Webkinz that Santa bought for Christmas last year and forgot about.

And you'll never guess who else made an appearance....

That's right! Beyonce was stuffed in daddy's stocking.

By the way, this isn't exactly the same face that my dear, sweet co-worker had when she got this CD during the Dirty Santa game that I told you about here.

Gift #1 - Representing Gold