This year is the first year Gabe understands Christmas. For that reason, December has been a joy with him – I’ve been trying to capture every little detail. We discuss the story of Jesus’ birthday (though the part where Gabriel comes to Mary kind of confuses him…note to self: don’t use the Angel’s name until next year.), we talk about Santa, sing Jingle bells (over and over…and over), bake Christmas cookies and this is big: SIT on SANTA’S LAP!

Here are our Santa visits from Christmas’ past. Not so good, people. Not so good.

2009:

2010. Absolutely traumatizing.

I’m so sorry, Santa. Thank you for trying to smile.

And this year: Peace on Earth!

Gabe was a big fan of decorating the Christmas tree.  According to him, he decorated it and “Mama helped.”

Isn’t it so sweet how both boys are admiring the Christmas tree? Little do you know, Noah is asleep and we’re using Gabe’s arm to prop up his head. All for the sake of a picture.

To be fair to Noah, here’s a non-Christmas picture of his sweet face.