Christmas-time with my family

Despite the busy schedule, me and my husband makes it a point that Christmas is celebrated by the whole family - extended family members included.

We plan for it as early as July or August. From color theme to house decors to gifts to give and food to prepare. We even try to squeeze in our schedule bringing our children to watch Christmas shows or attend activities related to Christmas.This year, as mentioned previously, we already went to watch the Christmas show at Greenhills shopping center. We had an eco-friendly bag made as our family give-away this year. We shopped mostly at Divisoria, Philippine's shopping landmark for the gifts we've given out to family members as well as to relatives we are closely in touch with.

Our children had fun opening their gifts. Leon especially, now that he's 3 years old is more appreciative of what he receives no matter how small it is. Leon particularly loves the baseball set he received from a family friend and the Formula 1 toy track set given to him by his uncle, my brother. He loves our Lightning McQueen pillow set gift to him also.

Baseball set from Tito Buboy & Tita Net

Car track set from Uncle Junnie

Maia, on the other hand, patiently waits for the gifts handed to her and Daddy. Daddy M opens the gifts for her.

Maia about to open her gift from Uncle Junnie

Maia flashing a smile after opening
a gift for our family from her nanny Jet

We've gone to visit my sister-in-law's family on Christmas day handing out our gifts for them. Yesterday we attended a family reunion, organized by my cousin-in-law at Pag-Asa in Quezon City. We spent practically the whole day there. All parents and kids enjoyed the company of each other, kidding each other and looking back at old days. Kids awaits the gift giving session my cousin-in-law and his wife organize every year. This year, Leon voluntarily handed the gifts to each child. We were even kidded to have him wear Santa costume next year.

Leon with my SIL's family
(Allana, Tito Louie, Christian, Tita Yeye, Louis, Lucia & Justin)

Leon opening his gift from the Ramolete Family
(Ninong Mon, Tita Ami, Ate Aina & Kuya Roel)

Maia eager to open her gift from the Ramolote family

This year, we've gone to watch the Lights and Sounds Symphony of Parols at the Ayala Triangle in Makati City two times. Bringing along our kids, my mother and the nannies. All enjoyed the show, especially our dearie Leon who was so fascinated with the laser lights effect.

Three generations here: My mom Lydia, Me
and my kids Leon and Maia


My mom Lydia posing in front of the Belen

The Belen at the entrance of the Makati Stock Exchange Building

There are still a few relatives that we haven't visited for the holidays and another reunion set on January 1. More of the holidays to enjoy before going back to work on January 3.

my entry to:
Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

Christmas 2010

Christmas 2010 is a milestone for our family. Ever since, my husband and I planned to have a small family, with only 2 kids. This year was a fulfillment of our plan. It's our first Christmas as a family of four, with Maia to complete us.
As usual we prepared for the birth of Jesus by attending the anticipated mass on the eve of Christmas. After hearing mass, M cooked our meal for Christmas eve --- spaghetti, fried chicken and ham while I prepared the fruit salad early in the afternoon. My brother Juni added softdrinks while my sister Pie shared taco salad and crema de fruta.

When 12 midnight struck we were at the dining table to celebrate Jesus' birthday, we said our prayers and even sang the birthday song for Jesus in which Leon gladly sang with us.

Maia was still sleeping during this shoot

After eating, we headed to the living room to open gifts, of the children most especially and eagerly. Leon's delight upon opening his gifts was more than enough to make us all excited about opening gifts plus some of Maia's smile while Daddy M opens her gifts...Maia's smile is worth a million lol!
The next day, we visited my SIL and handed our gifts to them. We tried visiting relatives but most were out spending Christmas day with their families. Instead we headed to the Light and Sounds Symphony of Parols at the Makati Stock Exchange, enjoyed it for an hour then headed home.Yes! This year's color theme is Yellow :)

Merry Christmas to all!!!