Christmas Day was a perfect day at our house. We had all our kids here with us and I think I can speak for Recliner Man when I say that having the family together is the best gift we could have asked for.

We have always been happiest when we were all together. Our kids are very much who we are. I think over the last 30 years there has only been one anniversary dinner that we’ve shared with just the two of us. We like being with our children that much. I consider myself very fortunate that they also like spending time with us.

This is not to say that there weren’t lots of gifts and that the gifts didn’t generate their own fair share of excitement.

The gifts seemed to go on and on. We take turns opening one gift at a time so we can all enjoy each one that is given.

The day is full of enjoyment, happiness, and smiles. There is nothing that compares with being together with your loved ones on special days.

The day is also full of laughter, like when They Boy unwrapped a shirt that was nearly identical to the one he was wearing. Maybe we know him a bit too well. LOL

The joy of togetherness continued after the gifts were opened. It was a wonderful day.

Togetherness seems to be taking a break at clean up time though.  Notice all the really big gift bags? They are one of my best ideas for Christmas. Every year I try to hit the dollar stores just after Halloween as they are starting to put out the Christmas items. They usually have these really huge gift bags and at a dollar they are a steal. One year I was a bit late and everyone ended up with a baby shower bag. I give one bag to each person and as they unload their stockings and open their gifts they have the bag to place things in. It makes hauling their stash away much easier and the room cleans up much sooner.

The End.