My kids make a killing at Christmas because we have an incredibly generous family and a large circle of friends. But after watching my tots be overwhelmed by gifts in past, this year I broke the rules and allowed them to open some presents early. When my sister came over with a sack of goodies for the lil ones, I let them tear into them. My son and daughter delighted in their loot and their auntie got a proper thank you watching them play with their new name puzzles and games.

There's still much for the kids to look forward to with Santa coming in a few days and family festivities, but in the mean time my son is having a blast circling our Christmas tree on the motorcycle [1] my friend gave him.