As expected, it has been a quiet week between Christmas and New Year's Eve. Gwendolyn has been lucky to have both Mama and Daddy home for the duration, and we've been enjoying a lot of family time.
Of course, there has been lots of playing with Christmas gifts. Gwendolyn was well and truly "gifted" by Santa, friends and family -- perhaps overwhelmingly so, but she seems to be coping well with the numerous new books and toys that entered her life on Christmas Day. They're all getting their fair share of play, although not surprisingly, some clear favourites are emerging. You'll see more of those favourites in future posts.
It was quite a different Christmas from last year, as it was clear that Gwendolyn was starting to put two and two together regarding the tradition of Christmas gift giving. Mama and Daddy waited until Christmas Eve to put presents under the tree, and there was definitely a double-take from Gwendolyn when she arrived upstairs on Christmas morning and saw the transformation.
All has not been about gifts and Santa, though. Among her books about Rudolph and the Littlest Christmas Tree, Gwendolyn has a lovely collection of books about the Christmas story, and she has taken quite a shine to them. And really, what two-year old wouldn't love a story with angels and farm animals and kings and a baby and a shining star in it? However you feel about the sacred side of Christmas, it is nice to see a little one so absorbed by such a quiet and gentle story.
Here are some other highlights of the week:
- Christmas Eve was spent with Zoey and her parents -- a lovely, low key affair. Kids laughing and playing, adults enjoying some good conversation and a Christmas spirit or two (nudge, nudge, wink wink): in a word, perfect.
- Much to Grandma's delight, all the Ronaghan grandchildren descended on her home for an impromptu visit on the 27th. It was the first time in many a year that such a feat had been accomplished, and the first for Gwendolyn, period. Little G. had a ball playing with her cousins (who all very much older than she), her Aunt Deborah and Uncle Jan, and Grandma, of course!
- After one abandoned attempt on Boxing Day (the line up was just too long), we managed to see the light display at Vandusen Gardens. It's always a treat to see the gardens lit up so colorfully and creatively -- a Ronaghan Christmas tradition going forward, to be sure.
- Just last evening, Gwendolyn helped Mama and Daddy complete the purchase of a nice little pre-owned vehicle. Thank goodness: the experience of our pre-Christmas accident and the myriad details afterward really dinged our Christmas spirit. Thank goodness we can put that episode behind us now -- and just in time for the new year!
Tonight will be quiet -- a time to reflect on the year that has past and to anticipate the adventures of the one ahead. However you plan to celebrate, we hope you have a grand time. And please, please be safe -- especially if you need to be on the roads this eve.
Happy New Year to you all.
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