This is Emily’s fourth Christmas but it is definitely the first one that is infused with the magic of the holiday. She is finally old enough to grasp the whole (commercial and secular) concept and, as a result, is so incredibly excited. The thrill of seeing snow falling. The pleasure of watching twinkling lights. The excitement of exploring the packages under the tree. The anticipation of Christmas Eve, waiting on something magical to happen. There is nothing cuter.

Speaking of cute, I should also take this opportunity to note that Emily has finally agreed to start pooing in the toilet!! She has been potty-trained for well over a year now but pooing has always been a traumatic experience. No more! Locking her in the bathroom until she complied was maybe not the subtlest way of handling the situation, but subsequent incidents have involved a lot less screaming now that bribery has been introduced into the equation. Let’s just say that Santa should be bringing an extra “poo present” tonight for a certain little big girl.

This is only Sebastian’s first Christmas but he, too, has taken the opportunity to level-up. As we have observed with Emily a few times each year, Sebastian’s brain experienced a major developmental breakthrough last night. Starting at around 4am last night. Why do they always have to happen at night?! As a result, not only has he been walking and exploring all over the place today, but he is noticeably much more interactive and aware of people around him. That’s always nice.

Here are a few videos filmed today. Christmas Eve in England and Emily is preparing for Santa’s arrival at Grandma and Granddad’s house.