Ghost of Christmas past

So Christmas is old news, seeing as how we’ve already rung in the New Year, but better late than never.  Unless you’re having any VERY belated holiday celebrations, you probably don’t need my fun green gift wrapping break through, so I’ll tuck that idea away for next year.

As expected, Sir did not lack for Christmas gifts.  The highlights included a pony from his great grandparents . .  .

Of course, everyone knows that it’s best to ride bareback . . .

. . . while holding a hairbrush.

Speaking of riding, one week before Christmas, I found a Balance Bike on Craigslist.  We’d debated Balance Bike versus regular bike with pedals and cranks removed, but the good deal, combined with the timing and the fact that we hadn’t done much in terms of Christmas shopping, sealed the deal.

He’s not quite ready for it, but he’s very interested, and all signs indicate that he’ll be ready to cruise come spring.

I’m happy to report that all of his Christmas gifts (from Matthew and me) are of the new-to-us variety, though I did find out the hard way (almost empty toy shelves at the SVdP thrift store) that I am not the only parent to buy secondhand for Christmas — must plan ahead for that in future years.

I particularly delighted in the gift my sister gave us — beautiful homemade stockings.  I knew I wanted something special, and liked the idea of making them myself, but I lacked the equipment/skill/time to do so.

Aunt Mollie to the rescue!  It’s so fun to know that we’ll be hanging these stockings for many years to come.

Here’s hoping that 2013 is off to a good start for all of you!