Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve was a great day. It fell on a Sunday this year which I have to say is my very favorite. All the hustle and bustle and and movies take place on the 23rd and we get to feel the Spirit, sing Christmas hymns and then be at home for the rest of the day. We went to our Ward’s Christmas Program from 9:00-10:15, which Katie sang in, and was great. Wonderful to say hi and Merry Christmas to all of our ward friends before heading home.
Dad and his girls…
We spent a couple of hours wrapping our last few presents, working on the puzzle and then making cookies. Dad and the kids made the cookie dough and baked the cookies while I made sweet potatoes and creamed corn. Then I made the icing.
The Santa plate ready to go…
At 3:15 the Richins and Jacksons came over for Christmas Eve Dinner. We had Baked Brie and French Bread, Potatoes and Gravy, Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Creamed Corn, Rolls, Pretzel Jello, Raspberry Jello and Blueberry Salad. It was delicious. The 7 adults sat in the dining room and chatting about Christmas traditions. The kids and teens ate in the kitchen. So fun to be together.
After dinner we gathered in the living room to have a Christmas Lesson. I prepared a ‘Christ Centered Christmas Lesson with short remarks/stories for each of the 7 Nativity Characters:
- Mary reminds us to PONDER
- Joseph reminds us to SERVE
- The Lamb reminds us to GIVE THANKS
- The Shepherds remind us to TESTIFY
- The Wise Men remind us to JOURNEY ANOTHER WAY
- The Angel reminds us to SHARE THE JOY
- The Christ Child reminds us to BELIEVE.
The kids performed a cute a capella song that they have been working on together which is so cute! Then we ate Peppermint Ice Cream with Hot Fudge Sauce before everyone left.
Everyone left by about 6:45 or 7:00 and the kids headed up to get their pajamas on and we finished the puzzle.
Three people in the family love Eggnog. Matthew, Megan and Dad. And all three of them try to get it out without anyone else seeing so there is more for them. When I tried to take a picture of Matt, he said, “Hurry Mom! Don’t let anyone else see!” Sharing egg nog is hard for these three.
Christmas Pajamas and Stockings…
The kids all slept in the boys room this year. So much fun!!