Ryan and I are really excited for Liam's first Christmas, and so we've been prepping for it since Thanksgiving. Actually I got his first present back in August, but that's unusual for me. After a wonderful trip to San Francisco for Turkey Day, we returned with a ton of holiday spirit (I use "we", but frankly, I'm not sure if the guys are as into it as Lola and I are). The first item on the holiday prepping agenda was a trip to Reindeer Lane with the Flurry side. This is a tradition that I have been a part of for the past couple of years and I really look forward to it. But before we went to get the trees, we stopped at Jodi and Jeff's for some yummy chili and family photos- a Christmas gift for Grandma. The matching sweaters were purchased and donned, the mantle was lovely, the boys had been promised suckers for a photo-worth-framing, and Cate, our photographer, arrived. It was a crazy 20 minutes, but I was really proud of the little ones.
After lunch, we were off to pick out our trees. I remember 3 years ago, Ryan and I had just gotten married and we went to pick out our Christmas tree with the 3 nephews, Grandma Flurry, Michael and Shannon and Jodi and Jeff as well as Lola by our side. I had never witnessed the chopping down of a Christmas tree and so I really got into it. I might have been obnoxious.
Last year, we went again and my belly was pretty huge by then. I remember thinking how exciting "next" year would be when we would have our own wee one to enjoy it as well. And boy did he! It was a really nice day, a little windy, but not too cold and the sun eventually came out. Ryan strapped little Liam to his back and away we went. It seemed to take longer than usual because the selection was not great- lots of twisted or slanted trunks. But all four families found the right one for them eventually and it was great to see the excitement in the little ones' faces.
On Monday night we decorated the tree. We only got the lights and a handful of ornaments on before Rip Van Flurry decided it was bedtime. But Ryan, Lola and I finished it, curious to see how interested in it Liam would be the next day. According to Mimi, he was very interested at first, crawling around to see the different ornaments but it has since ceased to hold his attention for long. A student of mine even suggested that we put a train around it because that's what his parents did and it really helped distract him before he got to the tree itself. Just as I had found one at Big Lots, Liam seemed to lose interest in the tree. He has not, however, lost interest in cords, outlets, lamps, or the pretty lighted flowers in our living room.
Since then, it's been a whirlwind of pre-holiday activity for all of us. All of my classes exchanged Secret Santas, Becky and I were able to see an inspiring Christmas choral concert at Church of the Ressurection, hosted by Marilyn Brewer. I have hosted holiday book club at our house, I was able to celebrate with Stacy and Vivienne over champagne and appetizers, cookie exchanges have been attended, Ryan and I have had our Christmas dinner with Matt and Jess at JJ's, and just two days ago, Shannon had the brilliant idea to have a wrapping party, complete with wine and cheese. (I had read that at Liam's age, it's best to wrap presents in tissue paper or in gift bags, so my wrapping was much simpler than Shannon's). It was a blast and something we hope to make a tradition.
But the best part of it so far for me, was taking Liam to see Santa for the first time. Ryan and I decided that we would take him to the Mercedes of Santas next year at Crown Center when he could really enjoy it all. So this year, we settled for the Honda of Santas at Ward Parkway Mall. Suggested by my friend Stacey because there are no lines and it's far more mellow, this Santa was wonderful. Real beard. Real nice. And Liam made us proud by not crying- not smiling a lot- but just kind of chillin' on Santa's lap as if they were two buddies getting ready to watch some sports on tv over a couple beers. The funniest part was watching Ryan trying to make him laugh by scrunching down in front of the camera and shaking his head vigorously from left to right, left to right, back and forth, until Liam smiled or Ryan passed out from dizziness. It was priceless.
I have always loved the holidays. In fact, I am one of those obnoxious people that enjoys Christmas music all year round. But now I get to enjoy the holiday through my son's eyes. Holiday preparations are best made together. Lesson well learned.
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