In celebrating this year the kids and I talked about what we "always" do every year. Here are a few of THEIR favorite things that are a must in our home:
Billy and I both agree that the most priceless moment is Christmas morning. The kids come out wide eyed with grins from ear to ear. Their faces are awestruck and their little fingers can not move fast enough. Of course I want to capture the moment so I "make" them take turns so I can see their faces as they open each gift. Really they know that is just how I am and are very gracious about it.
Devynn- Setting up the Christmas Tree
The first few years we had a real tree. That is what I grew up with. However after my 3rd year in Tucson I decided it was probably better to go fake. So the day after Thanksgiving we bring out the goods (although this year we were a little late since it was Sugar Bear's birthday the day after Turkey day... nevertheless). We put on a Christmas movie (it changes every year because each kid gets a turn to pick). Billy puts up the tree and lights. I carefully place all the ornaments in piles and put up the "special breakables" out of kid reach. The rest the kids all do. After they are done I put up the garland and last the Angel.
Trynnity- Seeing Santa
Who doesn't like seeing Santa?! Well if you are a parent of a toddler... but Trynnity was VERY brave and went to the jolly ol elf with open arms. I think it helps that in late November she had a trial run with one of the Santa's at the Foothills mall. There was NOBODY at the mall that day and her Santa were able to talk and walk around with each other. Of course I did not have the camera that day nor did she care to sit on his lap, but it was very helpful for when we took everyone to see him. And I must admit that I also sign the kids out of school early one day for this event as I just can not do the huge line with 4 kids (if you can I commend you!) So we go, have a Wetzel Pretzel and stand in line with letters in hand. if we are lucky ALL the kids look at the camera.
Baylee- Our Christmas Eve Tradition
Every Christmas Eve I make our "big dinner". Ham, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, pies, you get the idea. Our extended family comes over and celebrates with us. After dinner we make hot tea and read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" (Each kid gets their own copy on their 1st Christmas). Cookies get laid out for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. The kids each open two gifts; one is their new pair of Christmas P.J.'s and the other a new ornament (the ornament represents their likes/personality for that year). The kids each make ornaments every year too that they gift to all the adults. So our tree is pretty well covered.
Prestton- Our interpretation would be the Cookie Decorating
My brother and I absolutely loved to bake cookies with my mom. She made homemade sugar cookies with homemade buttercream frosting and we would decorate like mad. My kids do the same thing minus I can not make the homemade sugar cookies right to save my life, so we now do Pilsbury. We have shared this with many friends through out the years and this year we went to my good friend (sister) Amber's house as well as our own. So you can imagine the thrill that Prestton had when he realized he was allowed to eat pure sugar. Too cute and way too much fun!
I truly hope that each and everyone of you had a very blessed Holiday and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
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