Evolution of our Christmas

Since Christmas is right around the corner, I have been thinking about how much it has changed over the last few years.  This year will be the 6th Christmas for Chad and I, which seems hard to believe when I think about it!  Here is how our Christmas has evolved over the years!

The first Christmas we actually spent apart.  I was in Toronto and Chad was in Calgary (actually I think he went with his family to Weyburn to his sister's house).  Keeping in mind that we had really only been dating for a month, this was perfectly acceptable.  I remember right before I left for Ontario he gave me an iPod so I could take music on the plane... a sweet gift and totally out did me, since I was a poor, starving student working two jobs just to pay for rent and school.  I think I got him a giant pot (there was a reason for it) and I don't even remember what else. 

The second Christmas I thought we were going to spend apart.  I flew to Toronto to be with my family and was feeling a bit sad that we wouldn't see each other Christmas day.  I went out to run errands one morning and came back to find that Chad was in my parent's kitchen surprising me.

This was the moment of surprise (I of course cried)

It was fun to have Chad there and to experience my family Christmas.  The Dalrymples have lots of traditions and it was great to introduce him to those. 

The third Christmas (our first as a married couple) was spent in Calgary.  I know that being married means I have to share the holidays, which I am learning to do.  It was my first Christmas ever away from my family and that was a bit hard for me.  As I mentioned above, the Dalrymples have lots of traditions and Christmas is a pretty big deal.  I was feeling a bit sad to be missing out on  these for the first time.  I understand that it is important to make your own traditions and that it is also important to honour both families, so that is what we are doing.  Fortunately, I have a wonderful family out here as well.  My in laws take very good care of me and do whatever they can to make sure I am happy and looked after.  I also have the extended family as well in Chad's sister and brother, nieces and nephews and cousins and their families.  Everyone has always welcomed me with open arms and it is nice to know that I am comfortable here as well.  Luckily, Lindsay (my niece in law) is also Christmas Crazy like me and likes to go over the top as well.  We split the hosting duties that year.  Christmas Eve at our house and Christmas dinner at her house.  I survived that year and had fun with their traditions and watching them peacefully play games ;)

Christmas Dinner with my Alberta Family!

The fourth Christmas was all together different since it was the first one as a family of three!  With the addition of William, Christmas took on a whole new life and a whole new meaning.  We stayed in Calgary again, and flew to Toronto after Christmas so it wouldn't be so stressful.  My parents came out here (not wanting to miss their grandson's first Christmas) and we had Christmas Eve and morning in our own house and then to Red Deer for some more festivities with Chad's family.  I was super excited for Christmas with my own child and even though Wil was only 3 months old, I may have gone a bit over board!  I think Wil really appreciated it though!

Wil's first Christmas stocking... he was a good boy so Santa spoiled him!

The fifth Christmas we packed up and went to Toronto.  Flying with a 15 month old, who is big for his age and walking was a "treat".  Especially since I was pregnant and he had to share my seat on a totally sold out flight! We ended up walking up and down the aisle for most of the flight, but we made it.  This Christmas was a fun one since Wil was so much more aware of what was going on.  Still not fully understanding, but loving the lights and decorations and of course gifts.  You begin to see Christmas through a whole new set of eyes when you get to experience it with your child! 

Wil's first time painting gingerbread men on Christmas Eve (a long standing Dalrymple tradition). Although I am pretty sure he just ate the cookies and licked the icing... perhaps at 15 months he was not quite old enough to appreciate the fine art of cookie decorating!

After opening our Christmas Eve pajamas Wil wanted to be just like Uncle Jason (who always puts his pj bottoms on his head) and improvised with his gift bag.

This year will be our 6th Christmas together.... and it is even more exciting now with the addition of Carson!  Wil also understands quite a bit more about what is going on.  He loves the decorations, the lights, the tree, his Christmas books and of course, Santa.  He even wrote his first letter to Santa to ask for a special toy.  He asks me most days if it is "Merry Christmas" yet and we have been counting down on his advent calendar which has been both educational and fun.  Amazingly he remembers each day what number we have to look for and finds it!  We are off to Red Deer tomorrow to enjoy Christmas there with Chad's parents.  It should be a very exciting one this year for sure.  I think the two boys have been quite good and they will get spoiled!

Here are a few more festive photos to show just how things have changed in the Ramsay Christmas.

The first year of stockings... and also a very neat and tidy house!

And then there were four

(well five, but you can't see Jerry's in this photo, it hangs by his bed)

Wil's first time with Santa... he was about 9 weeks old.

(this picture makes me laugh because it doesn't even look like Wil and he was such a little chubber)

Wil's second year with Santa at 14ish months.

(he actually liked Santa quite a bit, it looks like he is reaching for me, but he wasn't, he was reaching for the stuffed animal the photographer was holding)

Carson meeting Santa this year, 7 months

(He had to show big brother Wil how it was done)

The two boys with the Big Guy.

(Can you spot me in this photo?!?!?)

The littlest Santa out for a nice winter walk!

Wil's first letter to Santa

(He told me what to write for him and then signed it)

We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy the special time with family and friends! 

All the best for the New Year!