This Christmas has to go down in history as the best I can ever remember. It was my sons 2nd year to celebrate the joyous holiday, but the first in which he could really participate in opening presents. And he had plenty to choose from!

My son took his time opening each gift tearing wrapping paper off in one-inch sections and making sure he put them all in the trash bag. Hes quite the little neat freak even at 21 months. And, of course once the gift was opened, it had to be opened. Have you had the pleasure of opening a childs toy lately? If not, be grateful. The toy is attached to the box by either screws or twist ties. But if thats not enough, the screws and/or twist ties are covered in packing tape. If youre fortunate enough to get a Little Peoples set, you can have fun prying the little figures out of the heat-molded plastic casing they come in. So, after about 45 minutes of unwrapping one gifthe would move on to the next. Needless to say, unwrapping presents was an all-day event - a very enjoyable, laughter-filled all-day event.

I was having such a good time that it got me reminiscing. I remembered when I was a child; my parents would tell me that the best Christmas present they could ever receive was watching me open gifts with wide-eyed anticipation. As a young toy-craving kid, I couldnt understand what they meant. How could giving EVER be better than receiving? I understand completely now. The older my baby gets, the more fun I have giving him gifts. And, the less I care about what I receive. As a kid, I would spend the long days leading up to Christmas examining packages, scheming to find out what was in store for me. Now those days are spent baking for friends and family, taking my son to play dates, and reading him stories about the very first Christmas. A far cry from Barbie dolls and Cabbage Patch kids, but Ive never been happier.

The holidays have always been a great time of reflection for me. This year is surely no exception. I take note of having been blessed with a healthy child and a loving husband both of whom have made this Christmas exceptionally grand.