What does Christmas mean to us!

Christmas for us is about spending time with family and friends!
And know those who aren't close by physically you are close by in our hearts!

Emily woke this morning wanting to open presents and she is very excited that in 2 days time we will be opening them!
Aiden well he is excited but expectations are high and trying to reign them in is difficult! I did go through his list and say sorry not this year! When he had over $1000 worth of gifts on his list!

What I also know is that our children are truly spoiled and loved!
This year on the advent calender they have had treats such as a date with Mum or Dad you choose dinner etc plus some little gifts! Emily loves opening the gifts and when it is only 2 clips you think she had just received the moon! Gosh innocence is Fantastic!

As I reflect back on past Christmas this is the 28th christmas with Keith and our 24th as Husband and wife I certainly value the fact that most have been in our home and yes the work is great but the joy of everyone sitting down to lunch that we have all helped with is just mind blowing!

I know that when we waited for even our first child the sadness we had!
I remember my dear Father-in-law saying to me that first Christmas we had made a decision to adopt that he believed Christmas was for the children! He had gone through 17 years of infertility to have an only bio child and that every Christmas he wished he could collect all the children around him in England and spoil them with a great time! Sadly his wife didn't have the same feelings! For her is was biological or bust!

This morning as we were planning what else we needed to do DH said but why do we do this! Interestingly enough Aiden now wants Christmas at home to be Christmas at home! With all the trimmings and we were remembering a Christmas before children where we had a sudden death in the family and ended up having Christmas some where else! And how the week after Christmas we had Christmas lunch at our house with all the trimmings! Because it didn't feel like we had had a Christmas at all!

The children today have collected up some old toys and and gifts that have never been played with and are giving them to those less fortunate!It is great to see the spirit of giving in my children!

Now as I was sorting out gifts I saw a book that I bought our soon to be new daughter for Christmas 2006! Which I had written in! The tears certainly flowed freely for both my husband and me! The wait is hard even when there are precious children in the house!

I often remember those ones pre-children because my darling Father-in-law would love seeing this Christmas! And sadly he is not here! This will be our 11th without him! This will probably be the last Christmas my children have with their Nana as well so it is special! She has been so sick and her body is slowly shutting down!
What I want most for us and everyone is to have a fantastic day and enjoy the miracles of the season.
Make the moments we live worth while!
Enjoy each and every day as we never know what is around the corner!
Thanks to all who add value to Our lives!
We truly appreciate it!
Holidays wishes to you all! Spend time making amazing memories!
Arohanui
Ruth, Keith, Aiden and Emily xoxoxoxo