Reflections on A Quiet Christmas

This may have been the quietest Christmas on record in our home. I've been trying all morning to figure out why. What made it such a quiet day? I've come up with a few reasons.
The quiet began on Monday afternoon, when, for her birthday, Marina got her first haircut and style. Her hair was such a mess from wearing hats, orange 'birthday' hair spray, and just being little, that when Jerami got the detail of what she wanted done he grabbed the scissors and whacked off the part that was going away anyway.

This was a romance free haircut. With the dreadlocks removed he took her to the sink and gave her a good washing and conditioning. He then took her back to the chair and started the style.

First reason the house has been quiet: No screaming over hair brushing.

Christmas eve found us in town running errands. While at the bank (we realized we were going on a trip and could probably use money on that trip) we were visited by none other than Santa himself! Vince and I stood signing travelers checks while Marina and Falcom had words with Santa.

In the car Marina explained to us that she was quite sure that this Santa was the real one. Not only was his beard genuinely on his face, but she quizzed him about some important details from his life. His correct answers assured her that indeed that was Santa and that she and Falcom had better straighten up and fly right.

Second reason the house has been quiet: Threat of coal.


From the bank we went to Irene's for a ginger bread house and Santa cookie cooking party. With all Irene has going on in her life right now, I thought she was a little nuts for having a party on Christmas eve. I especially thought this when I saw the spread of food she laid out for all of us.
However, when I realized that she very sanely made easy kid friendly food and was having them build their ginger bread houses out of gram crackers and pre-made frosting. I had to retract my doubt!

Kari brought an easy to make sugar cookie mix and when the kids were done with their houses, and done with chasing each other around, they decorated their cookies for Santa. Maya took Willie on as her new pet. She kept him at her side the entire evening. Then the kids chased each other around for another hour or so and when we got in the car all was calm.

Thank you Irene for a fun tradition. I admire that you keep continuing it come stress or anxiety! We loved being with your family on Christmas eve. I promise in advance that we will be coming to this party again next year!

Third reason the house has been quiet: appropriate use of child energy.


When we got home from Irene's, I let the kids open a box that Grandma (Aunt) Phyllis sent from Cleveland. It was a fun box filled with little treats and new movies. When they were completely exhausted, I let them watch Barbie Nutcracker in Falcom's room. Of the Barbie Movie Collection, Barbie Nutcracker is my favorite. Why you ask? Because Tim Curry plays the voice of the Rat King and every time he lets the word, "Nutcracker!" roll of his tongue I smile. What a great villain!

When the film was over I turned off the TV and both kids passed out snoring.

This was the first year that both children slept through the night Christmas Eve. I was very clear with them that they were not to come out of the bedroom until 6.30 and set the clock. We did not hear a peep from them until morning!

Fourth reason the house has been quiet: Exhaustion and the ability to read a digital clock!
These skills allowing the parents to get the sleep they need!

Santa was kind to all of us this year. In the morning, the underside of the tree was loaded with gifts for all of us. No one was left out. As always, Christmas photos are never very glamorous, all of us look like we just woke up (because we did!) but I am not ashamed to post this unflattering picture of me with the Coach handbag my soul mate got me for Christmas! I was elated!

Marina got a karate suit and "Littlest Pets" houses for her Little Pets. Falcom got Lego's. Willie got a camera. DeeJay got a welding helmet. Vince got a snazzy new knife. This was the first time that Santa did not bring any noisy toys. With the kids having grown their interests have evolved away from the "Tickle Me Elmo's" and the "Phonics word games."

Falcom spent four hours building Lego's in his room. Marina was karate all over the house. Willie and DeeJay played Wii games in the basement. Suzanne was here and spent her time sitting on the couch. Vince and Jason took naps.

Fifth reason the house has been quiet: Wonderfully engaging toys that did not have noise makers attached.

We broke out the prime rib and china for dinner. We drank sparkling cider and ate a delicious apple cake that Suzanne made. We sang along with High School Musical Karaoke and then went to bed.

Satisfied, Falcom fell asleep to the "Wicked" musical soundtrack that his friend Susan sent him from Michigan. Marina fell asleep playing with her new Little Pets puzzle book that she got in her stocking. Vince and I went to sleep thinking that we've had some very nice Christmases together!

Today we take down the tree and start packing for Malaysia.