Riggs' Digs: Christmas Day 2009

Christmas morning is all about the kids. We instigated the rule I grew up with, no getting out of bed until 7am. Since Max and Lincoln can't tell time, I was able to get away with 7:30, even though they were up by 6:30. I would have postponed it longer, just to get a few more winks, but Herb wasn't having it. "We promised them 7am." Yes, even on Christmas morning, I'd rather sleep-in then open presents.

I went down to the living room first so I could record the kids reaction when they saw all the presents under the tree. It was classic and fun to watch their faces light up with surprise and glee. "Awesome!" was Max's first response, of course Lincoln had to say the same thing.

Santa and both sets of grandparents were very generous to our family this year. The kids loved their toys which included rescue toys, lightsabers, remote control truck, games, walkie talkies, super hero toys and their favorite: superhero costumes. After opening each gift Max would say, "This is my best Christmas ever!" It was really fun to see the kids so excited and happy with each present they got.

Herb surprised me with some pretty jewelry and I surprised him with a tv and dvd player I got off Craigslist. With all the stresses and responsibilities he shoulders, I thought it might be nice for him to be able to watch a movie now and then to relax. For the past two and a half years we have lived without a tv, by choice. It's great except that we did miss being able to watch a show now and then.

After the opening of presents the kids enjoyed playing with their new toys while I made a big breakfast casserole, homemade hot cocoa and my aunt Trina's orange rolls for our family and two friends from the ward who joined us for brunch. It was really nice to have their company. I especially enjoyed talking with them and getting to know them better.

The rest of the afternoon was spent cleaning up the toys and wrappings, baking for our evening dinner with friends and taking naps. I was actually pretty tired from all of it and I think I will scale down a bit on the work load next year.

In Utah we have a tradition of all my siblings getting together at my parent's home Christmas evening. We have a nice dinner followed by a little program, spiritual message and a recount from each family of the year's highlights. It is one of my favorite parts of Christmas. When Gety and her family invited us to join them for Christmas dinner I was very happy to know I wouldn't be home feeling homesick, but instead continuing the celebration of Christmas amongst dear friends. The Mpanu Mpanu family are a wonderful and generous family whom we love. Spending time with them was a perfect way to end our Christmas day.