Temptation

If you could define temptation to a toddler it would be easy.

Temptation: The feeling you get when you see a pile of presents under the Christmas tree but know you aren't allowed to touch them...even when mama's not looking.

Right now, I think I have to 'remind' the kids not to touch the presents at least four or five times a day. It wasn't so bad when it was just the couple of gifts I've gotten around to wrapping under there. But then Josh's folks brought down their gifts to the kids and now we have quite a nice little stash of brightly wrapped boxes of temptation that make their faces light up with anticipation. I'm glad to see them so excited. But I am not glad that I have to pry their little fingers away from the shiny paper repetitively. Every morning they ask me the same thing, "Is it Christmas morning yet?" My favorite question by far is much more entertaining though. I've been explaining to the kiddos what the meaning of Christmas is. I tell them that on Christmas God's son baby Jesus was born and that we celebrate his birthday that morning. I tell them that we sing happy birthday to him on Christmas morning and then we open presents to celebrate. I've also been explaining Santa Claus. Alex is quite capable of separating the two individuals. Abby? Not so much. So my favorite question comes from Abby right after they ask if it's Christmas morning yet. Here is the conversation, because it's just cuter that way.

Alex: Is it Christmas morning yet mom?
Me: No. Not yet. It's on day number 25.
Alex: Oh, and then it will be Christmas morning?
Me: Yup.
Abby: And then baby Jesus will come and we can open presents?
Me: (smiling) Well, something like that.

I think Abby is mixing baby Jesus and Santa Claus up a bit. Either way, it's cute.