A Walton Family Christmas!

Christmas at the Waltons, Dec. 2002

Thank you Lord for sending your son, Jesus Christ, to be born, to live, and to die, for our sins so that we might be saved. We ask that you let all who read this be reminded of the true meaning behind Christmas day - Amen.

Christmas this year was a very special one indeed. Holly really caught on in her 2nd time around at this tradition. Without fully understanding what was happening prior to December 25th, she knew with confidence that Jesus's birthday was around the corner, and that some guy named Santa was coming. Shelly & I had been prepping her every since we put up the tree. Holly actually had the oportunity to meet with Santa at our local mall. She didn't review any wish-lists for the year though. That concept will likely be embedded next year. If you ask Holly about sitting on Santa's lap, she'll reply..."Cheese!". All she knows is that she sat on his lap and had her picture taken. This happened a couple of times. After that, she didn't fancy the waiting lines just to sit on some guys lap and say cheese. She would, however, raise a hand to waive and say "Hi Santa" as we walked by (been there, done that).

Christmas Eve, we opened most of the presents from family. The hit of the night was the 911 emergency motorcycle that Uncle Chad got for Holly. She loves her three wheeled cycle, equiped with numerous buttons ranging from turn signals to emergency call sirens. She also got A LOT of presents from Grandma. In fact, while reading a book the other day, Holly observed pictures of presents in some of the pages. I asked her where the presents came from, thinking that Santa would come to mind. She responded "Grandma Carol". The next morning, we awoke to even more presents under the tree - Santa must have come. After opening our presents from Santa, Mom & Dad tried to sneak in some rest. Later that day, we were off to "Poppy & Grammy's" house for yet another session of opening gifts. Now Holly was getting the hang of it. Holly got to see all of her cousins from that side of the family and had a blast the entire evening. It wasn't over yet though. "Mema & Pepa", who spent the holidays in Arizona, were coming back bearing gifts as well! I'm certain that next year, Shelly & I will not have to pump Holly with anticipation to get her in the holiday spirit.

Holly poses in front of the tree with her stocking (made with lots of love from Mom)	Holly rides her new motorcycle that Uncle Chad got her.
Holly examines new goodies	Dad gets some new digs
Holly checks out Dad's new digs!	LOOK OUT!...Here I come!
Christmas morning. It looks like multiple trips to see Santa at the mall has paid off.	Uncle Chad demonstrates how NOT to pick a bugar
More presents at Pepa & Grammy's house.	Holly shows off her new presents for the camera.
Cousin Annica watches while Holly and Mom press the button to make the stuffed angel sing.	More presents, more presents, more presents!
Merry Christmas!!

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