Our first Christmas with just the three of us.  We missed being around family, but we took advantage of the slower pace and no travel to really focus this season and cut through distractions.  We did a Jesse Tree advent calendar to learn about the genealogy of Jesus and the prophecies leading up to His birth.  

On Christmas morning, we had cinnamon rolls and read Luke 2, then opened a present before church.  Since he had an extra string of Christmas lights to play with, it was several hours later by the time he opened his other presents (some books and some rain boots).  The baby was nice enough to stuff Max’s stocking with a skein of yarn and a roll of tape.  This was easily the best present, which cost less than $2.  I’m trying to remember this lesson for next year.  

Later that day, we FaceTimed with family and took a walk around the neighborhood to find places to plug in his lights. 

It was a slow, peaceful day, and I’m so grateful I got to spend it with these two. I am in awe of God’s good gifts to us, and how much the season still speaks of joy and hope even an ocean away from our families.