On Christmas eve we enjoyed our usual late and light meal of oyster soup, cheese, sausage and crackers. A second tradition we continued from last year was to allow Ashton to open one Christmas present on Christmas eve. Again this year it was a new pair of pajamas and he was so happy with them. After putting on his new pjs Ashton put out cookies for Santa, and a carrot for the reindeer. On Christmas morning we reminded Ashton that Santa had visited us and he raced into the living room to see the stockings filled and base of the tree covered with presents. We won’t ever forget the squeal of delight he let out when he saw his new red toy chest bench. It made all the weeks of preparation in the basement worth it. David was a little taken aback when he asked Ashton how he liked the bench that Santa got him and how he thought he got it here. In response Ashton said, “it came from the basement.” Next year we’ll be sure to pay more attention to the details. Once again Ashton was thrilled with all the candy that he left in his stocking. He organized it in piles and hovered over it making sure no one took a gumdrop or chocolate coin that wasn’t theirs. He had no qualms about taking our candy and calling it his however. We spent much of the rest of the day opening presents and playing with all of the new toys. I’m not sure who had more fun with the toys, Ashton or David.
