December 25, 2000 - Monday
I really wasn't expecting too much out of Harry this year at Christmas. He's only a year old and can't understand the holiday and all that goes on. Maybe next year he'll know about Santa Claus yet, gifts, and all his relatives coming together, but this year the flurry of activity could just mean a diversion from his usual meal and nap schedule. After all, on his birthday just nine days ago he was interested in the activity and commotion, but we had to unwrap his presents for him.

However, his birthday was apparently good practice and Harry has since made great progress with opening presents. Yesterday, during a Christmas Eve-day visit to relatives he did a great job ripping opening his own present and would have done the same on another not intended for him if we had not caught him. And, all that was enough experience for Harry to get right into the spirit of the holiday - well, at least the gift part - today on Christmas and that enthusiasm made it a very fun day. Naturally, the wrapping paper was the highlight for Harry, pulling, ripping, and waving it about and around his head, but he got some nice toys, too, including a couple of ball toys and a big turtle cushion for him to lay.

We were at home on Christmas morning. Harry's grandfather joined the three of us for a full breakfast before opening presents. It occurs to me that today might be the last time for several years that opening presents waits so long into the morning. Christmas dinner was at Harry's fraternal grandparents' house about a half an hour away, followed by more presents. The difference this time was more people and more presents all at the same time. Harry, seated in the middle of the room with increasing amounts of wrapping paper all about, couldn't have been in a better place. By the time the crowd got around to opening gifts, I thought Harry might be too tired and in need of a nap, but not a small boy on Christmas. But, he'll sleep well tonight.


Comments, opinions?