Tuesday, December 15, 2009

It's Just Not Christmas Without You Here

This has felt like quite an odd holiday season. We are used to being without family, being the last 2 Christmases in Korea and Ethiopia but we've realized that it's just different here in Toronto.

In Ethiopia and Korea there wasn't much Christmas celebration around so you didn't feel like you were missing out. In both places we had friends who were in the same family-less state and wanted to spend Christmas with you. We didn't have Daija.

So this Christmas has felt somewhat barren and we've missed having our families close by to spend time with - like, really missed them. But we've tried to do a few things so far with Daija to make some of our own traditions and make it feel a little more like Christmas. Here they are:

Last year all Daija could do was watch as we decorated the tree. This year she got to help!





Mommy helped Daija set up Daija set up the Swedish angel chimes.


Daija helped Daddy put snowman stickers on the window.


Daija had friends bring her presents even! Our friends Rob and Julie came over and brought her a stuffed cat which she has really taken to and cuddles and sleeps with (though the wrapping was the best part of opening it!)


And Daija took time out of her busy schedule to stop and cuddle and share family time with Mommy and Daddy, which is probably one of the best parts about Christmas.

5 comments:

Daddio said...

We miss you guys too! We are still considering dropping by :)

The Renegade Librarian said...

Some great pictures there--can't believe how fast she's growing up!

Anonymous said...

your tree is so much bigger than ours. :) i know what you mean... i have been missing family a LOT this week too. can't wait to see you next week!!
-janis

Anonymous said...

We miss you, too! Christmas is not the same without Crissy guessing (correctly even) what is in every present under the tree.

Sweet pictures of Daija and you two. You certainly can see she has grown much taller. She has lost her baby look.

Sherrilyn

Eric said...

I've found the only way to solve Nolana not guessing what the presents are is to simply not give her any presents. It's probably something you should have considered when she was growing up... :)