A Whole Month of Christmas

We in the McLeod household have been going hard out with our Christmas spirit. Olivia is ripe for all the hoopla, so Friday 1st Dec Daddy had to pull down the Christmas tree and all the decorations from the roof. Having kids is the perfect front for reliving all your childhood dreams or persisting with your childhood ways (I'm sure Olivis thinks all adults have a teddy just like kids...), but am I ready to relinquish control to Olivia? I strung my new gorgeous christmas decorations from Prague on to red ribbon, and Olivia hung them on the tree... all on the same branch at 3 year old eye level. Ross laughed as I hopped around rearranging all of Olivia's handiwork. Maybe next year Olivia can have her own tree... Over the next week or so, I coerced Ross into putting up Christmas lights on the front of the house - well around the window, where it's easy for a clumsy person to safely reach! Di felt there was a certain tacky westie look to the whole presentation, but she obviously hasn't seen the Indian house up the street.

I have taken Olivia to lots of Christmassy things: sat her on Father Christmas' knee, gone to the Henderson Santa Parade, Carols in the Park (Parrs Park Henderson); and Di took her to some Christmas Spectacular display of Christmas trees. Daddy's been singing carols to her and threatening non-appearances of Santa. And Angus just likes to stare at the tree with its twinkly lights.

In amongst the new baby mayhem, crying baby afternoon sessions etc. etc. I am enjoying the Christmas season. I do miss all the choral music, but sure love watching Olivia discover the excitement and wonder of Christmas... what will her adult memories of our Christmases now be?

Christmas lunch with Di and Granny MJ kicked off the present and eating season, and we fly to Palmerston North in two days to do it all again with Ross' family.

Merry Christmas everybody!