It is exhausting with a 2 year old. And his OTT Grandparents. And a lot of friends.
Our Christmas day was long, with various Skype calls to family and friends before heading to the park with a friend to have breakfast. It was the first Christmas for her with her kids with their father, and we really didn't want her to be alone. We got to the Grandparents in time for Atti to have a nap while we started the long multi course meal. He woke up as we were eating the ham, and joined us at the table. A break to open gifts, then some desert, then some running around playing with the Grandies.
One of the gifts he got (that is DEFINITELY staying there) was a spinning top that lights up and plays 'gingham style'. He had great fun dancing to it.
But then he started asking to go home, and I was with him. We came home and spent a quite few hours curled up on the couch watching The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child together. Then early to bed for everyone.
I really need to remember next year the things that didn't work this year. It has all been a bit overwhelming for him, and too many parties, too much stuff, too much excitement.
The days after Christmas have been a bit rough - re-entry I guess. He is tired (sleeping a bit less than normal at the moment), he is teething, the house is cluttered with new toys and there are lots of guests coming and going, his Daddy is off work for a few weeks so around a lot more, his normal routine is all different. I think he will be grateful to go to daycare tomorrow and get back to normal. The next three days will be mostly his normal routine, and that should be good for him I think. And I am going to take down the Christmas tree and pack away some toys to clear things visually and in terms of choice for him. And the iPad is going into hiding for a few days to give him a bit of a break I think.
I certainly have a clearer idea of what is going to happen next year, in terms of the whole thing being a lot less overwhelming.
