Christmas Eve and Day

Dave and I decided that it just doesn't get better than having Christmas with kids! We had so much fun this year. First of all, Isaac and Ethan had great letters to Santa. Isaac wanted a dirt bike, bakugon, pokemon cards, a real jewel collection, a light saber, and last but not least, a real penguin. Emphasis on real. All the time leading up to Christmas Isaac acted like since he'd written these things down, it was a done deal, and he was sure to have them. He'd tell friends that he was getting a dirt bike, or penguin, etc. for Christmas. Not that he wanted them, no. But that he was most definitely getting them. (Don't worry, he also decided he wasn't going to be unhappy if he didn't get his stuff- after a few pep talks- and he certainly wasn't disappointed Christmas morning. We got him a real penguin! not)

Ethan's list went like this: "Dear Santa, here is a picture for you. Now I want a trombone, a flute, a robot mask to scare Isaac with, Batman macaroni and cheese, my Mom's knee to be healed, and a blue boy unicorn with buttons on it." He later told me to emphasize to Santa that he wanted a real unicorn. We got him one of those too. One fun thing about Ethan is he is so non-materialistic. He really could have cared less what he got for Christmas...well, as long as he got a good stash of candy.

Christmas eve was my favorite this year. We have some fun family traditions from both sides of the family that we are trying to carry on. First, we had pizza for dinner. This is an awesome tradition and I would recommend it to anyone. Then we lit the luminaries that the whole neighborhood lights up at 6 pm. It is really magical and beautiful. Then we read the Christmas story from Luke 2 and acted it out with costumes. Isaac wanted to be baby Jesus, "because he's (Jesus) special." Ethan was the inn keeper and the shepherd. Mason was the angel, and I was Mary and Dave got to be Joseph this year. I love this tradition!

Shepherd watching over baby Jesus

If Dave weren't in this picture I might actually look tall! And Dave grew a beard just to look authentic for our reinactment!

As you can see, Dave set the camera on timer and put it on the top of the couch.

After the nativity play we made some sugar cookies for Santa and the kids decorated them. What we were really waiting for was to hear the fire engine's siren. In our neighborhood, every Christmas Eve around 7pm, an old fire engine wails into the neighborhood with Santa, in the spotlight, sitting on top. He drives around our neighborhood circle once, waving, and then parks. All the kids and parents come running to see him. Dave was just so excited. He really wanted to tell Santa what he wanted this year. Then Santa gets down from the top and sets up a chair. All the kids get to take turns sitting on his lap and then he gives them a candy cane. We love this! (Okay, so I don't think there is any Christmas tradition I don't love.)

Not a very convincing Santa if you ask me. How old are you Santa? 20? Or maybe he gets Botox injections.

Next we loaded up into the van and drove around to look at Christmas lights. There is an awesome neighborhood not too far from ours that drapes strings of lights from all the oak trees in their yards. And there are a ton of oaks and a ton of lights. So many people from around town come to see the lights that it's just a huge promenade slowly driving through the neighborhood with everyone singing carols and shouting Merry Christmas. Ethan was our shouter. He doesn't give a rip about what people think of him. Isaac kept telling him to be quiet. Isaac is very self conscious. Last year there were people in their driveways handing out candy canes. This year there was a house giving out free apple cider. Just drive up, roll your window down, and recieve your Christmas cheer. So fun!!!

Then it's homeward bound to set up Santa's cookies and milk and carrots. Carrots? Yes, and not just for the reindeer this year. Here is how it went down: Isaac: "We need to give Santa something healthy this year. His is fat." Ethan: "You want Santa to be SMALLER?!" Isaac: "Well, he needs to be smart. I think we should give Santa carrots instead of cookies." Ethan: "No way!" Isaac: "Okay, then we'll give Santa cookies and one carrot."

Isaac's jaw dropped the next morning when he got a note from Santa that said "Thank you for the carrots, I am trying to be healthier."

Christmas morning was a blast. Leading up to Christmas I put out a basket and when the kids do good deeds they get to put yarn or tissue paper in it to make it soft for the Savior when he is born. Then on Christmas morning when the kids get up baby Jesus is found in his soft basket. Then we opened presents and played, played, played. And went on a walk. And talked with family on the phone. And that is all. Christmas is a great day to wear your pjs until 2 in the afternoon like I did.

Pjs from Grandma

I love Christmas! And I am so grateful for our Savior and all that He has done and does for each of us personally.

But now Christmas break has ended and my boys have gone back to school. We had so much fun together as a family these past 2 weeks. F.U.N. I wish Christmas vacation was eternal.