We anticipate Christmas for months, but yet it comes and goes far too quickly for me. I wish we could just hit the pause button on time so I can savor the moments just a bit longer.
Stranger Anxiety Prevention was at the forefront of my mind on Christmas Eve as we attended a big family gathering. Although I had ideas about making a grand entrance with Baby Champuru on my back in the Beco baby carrier, I opted to carry her in. I politely advised folks to give Baby Champuru some time to warm up before attempting to carry her. She cried for a few minutes, quite loudly at that, but after taking her into the next room where it was much quieter and less people were congregated, she calmed down. A few of her cousins sat on the floor and played with her and it wasn’t long before she was comfortable and interactive.
Needless to say, she didn’t jump into the festivities as I had hoped, but avoiding an entire evening of crying was good enough for me. Baby Champuru allowed a few people to carry her, but not for very long — except for grandma and cousin Pililani. It’s funny how even at that age, she is already developing a preference for certain people.
The photo above shows Baby Champuru getting up close and personal with Old Saint Nick at the Christmas Eve party. Aunty Richelle did the honors of introducing her to Santa, but the wary look on Baby Champuru’s face turned to fright a split second after this snapshot was taken. Of course, wailing ensued. I suppose Baby Champuru doesn’t know the lyrics to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” yet. But then again, by the looks of it, Baby Champuru would have preferred that Santa kept his gifts and stayed at the North Pole.
On Christmas morning, the immediate family assembled again to open gifts. This time, Baby Champuru did not shed a tear and seemed to be slowly emerging from her shell. That was the best gift of all this Christmas!
Last year, Baby Champuru was only a few months old and oblivious to the wonder and excitement of Christmas. This year, she was able to open her gifts (with some help) and was thrilled by the new toys she received. What an enjoyable Christmas holiday, celebrating the birth of Jesus with loved ones. I am looking forward to the New Year’s festivities tomorrow night!
One year ago: Too much stimuli, meltdown in progress
[...] of two weeks obviously worked wonders for Baby Champuru’s comfort level. Understandably, Christmas Eve, the first of the season’s parties yielded mixed results. Baby Champuru was faced with a [...]