I couldn’t wait for Annie to go to bed on Christmas Eve so Santa could come. She had other ideas. My cousin Leah and her boyfriend Ted were staying over, and Annie thought this was the GREATEST! THING! EVER! She was wired and it took her forever to come down from the thrill of having people at her house. Once she finally fell asleep, we got to work.
The tree, before Santa came
Leah and I carried out presents and then we went to bed. I was too excited to sleep. I couldn’t wait to see Annie on Christmas morning.
First one awake
Soon, my parents, aunt, and brother came over, and the presents were overflowing.
Presents for thirteen people (and a dog)
While Annie slept, the adults opened a few presents.
From Rigby to Mike
No way!!
Then the littlest one woke up, and it was time for the magic.
She said, “Santa! Presents!!” and went right up and started touching the boxes.
Oh boy!
We sat her down and put some presents in front of her. She slowly and carefully removed the wrapping, as if the paper itself was a present. She squealed and cheered over every gift, and wanted to play with everything immediately.
Elmo books!
A stroller!
Then she kindly helped the rest of us open our gifts.
When we were done, we took her to the playroom, where she discovered one last gift from Santa:
A playhouse! I bet Santa and Santa’s dad had a super-fun time putting that together!
As she walked around it she kept saying, “Rigby, LOOK! Rigby, LOOK!”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony
Her excitement and happiness was everything I’d hoped for and the only thing I wanted.
As the day progressed, more aunts and uncles and friends came over, until we had a full-house. We ate, drank, and played.
Tia Leah and Uncle Kyle
Food stations!
Scrabble Scorekeeper
As my family and friends gathered in my house, I stood back for a moment to take it all in. I am so lucky. I wanted to start Christmas traditions in the new house for Annabel, and we did it. I don’t take any of it for granted.
Even though a piece of us was missing, it was a wonderful day. Only 364 days until Christmas.
Becca Masters says:
What a lovely family photo!
So glad you had a great Christmas!
Mary says:
“Rigby, LOOK!” That totally made me well up! Glad y’all had such a great Christmas, and thanks for sharing Annie’s excitement with us!
Vanessa says:
What a lovely post. Thanks so much for sharing.
Meghan says:
I definately think kids make Christmas absolutely magical! Annie was precious…thank you for sharing her joy!
edenland says:
This is a beautiful post and made me tear up. That last photo is DIVINE.
mccgoods says:
Sounds like a lovely Christmas, I had the stomach bug but I have to admit talking on the phone to my niece (9) and my nephew (6) was just awesome. They were so psyched about the gifts they had already opened an it was super sweet to see it through their eyes. I just have one question SHORTS??? what is the temp there my goodness so jealous!!!!
Tonya says:
I know, right?? I saw those shorts and FLIP-FLOPS and was jealous too! We’re pretty chilly here in Tennessee, but it could be worse so I’ll be quiet!
Loved that post and all the pics. So happy you had a magical day.
Bampa says:
It was near 80 degrees. After everyone arrived and the ovens were going full blast, Heather actually had to turn the AC on.
mccgoods says:
AHHHH 80 degrees ! That sounds so lovely. It’s about 40 ish here and we are above where we are supposed to be for CT.
I am glad your Christmas was wonderful and warm.
Jenn says:
WOW!!! AC!! That is INSANE!!! ha ha Bampa….last yr we had a Blizzard for 3 days resulting in over 5 ft of snow! This yr…NO SNOW – just cold damp weather & as much as we Canadian’s whine about our insanely cold weather & dealing with months & M-O-N-T-H-S of SNOW…I must say…. SO MANY people were so sad we DIDN’T have a White Christmas! Me Included!! So, even though we weren’t in shorts or enjoyed the sunshine & AC, for the 1st time in a L-O-N-G-G-G time, I get the no snow thing!! ENJOY your weather Bampa & remember…. if you get TOO hot, you all can always come up here to visit us, freeze your a** off & whine with the rest of!!! ha ha ha Before Of Course, we go back to your house for a few months!!! Whatcha think??? As Annie would say….”YES”???
Heather says:
Typical Southern California 80-degree Chrismas!!
Shan says:
Giggle…the ribbon cutting ceromy did me in. That is too darned cute! It looks like a good time was had by all…as was here. I did terrify my entire family when I wrecked the 8yo’s dirt bike in the front yard..no biggie right!..Right! LOL! Happy New Year!!
Katie Gonzalez says:
Love the pictures! Question though– where in the world did you get your playroom rug!? It’s amazing!
Heather says:
It’s from Home Goods! It’s perfect for the playroom!
Katie Gonzalez says:
Thanks for the reply
Gamanda says:
I don’t know if you planned it that way or not, but that last photo is just breathtaking with the purple ornament hovering over all of you…like Maddie is an angel watching over you at all times.
Merry Christmas. I’m glad you were surrounded by amazing family.
Kelley Chambless says:
ya’ll are so cute!! I LOVE your kitchen!! GORGEOUS!!!!
Jenn says:
AAAhhh Heather!!! I’m so VERY HAPPY for you, Mike & Annie!!! I did think of you all on Christmas & hoped you were having a great time. It looks like you guys had a wonderful Christmas & I love the ribbon cutting on Annie’s in house!!! How creative is THAT?!?!
I’m glad you found some peace this yr Heather!!! You deserve it!! Your house did look glowing as did you all in your BEAUTIFUL Christmas picture!
Thanks for sharing!!!
Andrea says:
I’m so happy you already posted pictures of the festivities You made my morning! I adore Christmas and am already counting down for next year too. It looks like Annie truly enjoyed her day and maybe next year she will remember how good Santa was to her and will let you get a picture with him Here’s hoping!
Chantel says:
Oh, how sweet! I love how she shares the moments with Rigby. Such a sweet friendship. (Also, where in the world did you get your chair and ottoman? They’re adorable!)
Heather says:
They are from Urban Home! The couch, ottoman/table, and chair are a set. LOVE them!
Madi G. says:
It sounds like you had a great holiday!
Heather, I have a question for you:
Was it easier, harder or just different celebrating the holidays in a home where you never celebrated a Christmas with Maddie?
Personally, I’ve found it is much easier to change the setting, from everyday life to holidays. (Even in situation when I’ve “only” lost a dog. As one example, we moved shortly after our last dog died and it was much less difficult in the new house, as the sounds were different, there wasn’t an empty spot where his bed had been, etc.) I’ve found the same goes for other losses of family and friends, especially around the holidays — change of scenery always seems to make it hurt a little less (or maybe not less; just in a way that’s more tolerable, in my opinion.)
I was just curious about your thoughts on this. But if you don’t want to answer, that’s okay too. I know how answering this sort of question can stir up emotions and I don’t want to upset you.
-Madi G
Heather says:
It wasn’t any easier. We never celebrated Christmas in our old apartment – we always went elsewhere. So, just different I guess.
Elissa Lerma says:
Tia Leah! haha. I have a Tio Leo.
Deborah says:
Yay! Merry, Merry Christmas to all the Spohrs!!!
Lauren says:
Merry, merry Christmas!
Tami says:
Merry christmas to all of you!! You are blessed with the cutest daughter and pup. And I love your new home. Have a Happy New Year!!
Expat Mom says:
Christmas is just so much fun with kids! And can I say, I’m seriously jealous of your house. It’s so perfect!
Heather says:
Thank you! We love it too!
Jeanie says:
Looks like a wonderful day. Did Rigby get a present? She isn’t smiling in the picture so just wondered.
Heather says:
She did! She received SEVERAL bones.
Monica says:
sounds/looks like a wonderful Christmas. Annie looked absolutely scrumptious in those jammies. She looked like a little, little girl again. I too loved the Rigby LOOK!
Erica says:
Watching children open gifts on Christmas Day is the absolute best!
Jenny says:
I Love your kitchen. It looks like a Better Homes and Garden Layout!
Heather says:
wow, thank you!
Audra says:
Annie looks adorable in her polka dotted sleeper. I too was anxious for my girls to get to sleep on Christmas Eve so I could finish my projects and set up. I’m so glad you had an enjoyable Christmas in your new house and began traditions that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.
Dawn @What's Around the Next Bend? says:
Awww… Merry Christmas Spohrs!!
Gemini-Girl says:
I miss her too.
katie says:
I haven’t been over here in a while but omg your house is gorgeous! Merry Christmas and God bless!
Rebecca says:
Is that a sun room where you have the play house set up? Looks like a nice place to have tea in the morning…..ya know, if that part of the house gets morning sun. Lovely.
Dana says:
Merry Christmas! My Mom’s Maltese Morgan (who looks a lot like Rigby) gives my Mom the same calendar every yr as a gift lol
AmazingGreis says:
Wow, what a great Christmas. To see it through the eyes of a child is amazing. I can’t wait for this experience one day. Now lets just find me a husband.
Tammy M. says:
I love all the pictures. I REALLY love that you took the time to put that white bow in Annies hair before she opened her presents! She is darling!