Making Christmas Memories

Christmas Eve really seemed like a repeat of last year, which is a good thing. The kids love having those traditions reinforced. Kevin had to work from 2-7, so before he took off, we locked the kids out of their room and met with Santa's elves to start assembling their Christmas gift. We knew it would take way to much time and energy later that evening, so Santa's elves brought the gift to us that morning instead. We had it finished just in the nick of time, and Kevin headed to work. We had to start part of our Christmas Eve celebration without him. At 4 in the afternoon, we met at our church building for a short half-hour Christmas program. Then we returned home and waited for Kevin to get home from work. At 7:30, we finally started our real celebration. We ate a delicous meal of ham, cheesy potatoes, yams, salad, and homemade rolls. I love Christmas ham, and thankfully, so do the kids. After we cleaned up dinner, we started our Christmas Eve program. Everyone chose parts. Susie was Mary, of course. This year Jackson was Joseph, Tyler was a shepherd, and Bennett was a wise man. Because those are all the grandkids, some of the adults had to take a role. After the nativity, we each shared a talent. Tyler sang Silent Night, and Susie sang I am a Child of God. Just as the music was about to start for Susie, she piped out, "Can someone turn off the music?" We thought she had gotten stage fright. Then she said, "I have to go potty!" We ran to the bathroom, then returned and she did a fabulous job. Both kids did a fabulous job. Then they sang Jingle Bells together. Jackson sang Away in a Manger and Jingle Bells. Michelle and Rachael sang Silent Night. And Kevin and I created another slideshow of family pictures recapping the year. This was a encore from last year, and a tradition we will continue as our talent (since we don't really have any other talents to share...). After our talent show, we ate some yummy homemade ice cream--a new tradition I like a lot! While we were waiting for the ice cream to be cleaned up so we could open gifts, the kids set out a plate with cookies, an orange, and milk for Santa. This year Tyler wrote the note instead of me. So cute! Finally it was time to open a couple of Christmas Eve gifts. The kids received a board game from Grandma Janae and Grandpa Mark. And from Kevin and I, they were given new pajamas--a tradition we have finally decided to start. They were in desperate need of new jammies. After snapping a few photos, we hurried outside to sprinkle our reindeer dust (rolled oats, sprinkles, and glitter). Then the kids quickly scurried off to bed (it was almost 11).

The next morning the kids didn't sleep in. By 7, we were all awake. But, we weren't allowed upstairs until 8:30. They actually waited very patiently. When we were finally let out of the basement prison, we found Santa's red footprints as well as reindeer prints outside. They had found our reindeer dust! Next, we took the traditional Christmas morning picture on the stairs. Then we let our kids into their room downstairs, and what did they find? Bunk beds! Complete with a new quilt for each bed! Susie gets the top because her Dora sheets fit a twin, and Tyler gets the bottom because his Cars sheets fit the full. We needed bunk beds because we will soon be moving all their playhouse furniture into their bedroom when the playhouse becomes a room for baby. The kids received all sorts of great gifts, mostly thanks to other family members. We used money from my Grandpa Al to pay for the bunk beds. Grandma Janae and Grandpa Mark gave them some great picture books. And, Grandpa Keith and Grandma Megan gave them all sorts of things--new clothes, soft fabric food for their kitchen, games, stuffed animals, etc. Kevin and I gave the kids a few toys, including new cars, legoes, dress-ups for Susie, and a Zhu Zhu pet. They spent all day playing with their new toys. It was wonderful!Merry Christmas!