This is one of those traditions.
Several years ago our neighbors invited us to their church for Christmas Eve services. Most years my family gets together on Christmas Eve but we decided at the last minute to drag our kids out to the 11:00 p.m. service. Was it the thrill of going somewhere w.a.y. past bedtime? The candle light? The drums and music? I don't really know, but they LOVED it. Every year since they start asking mid November if we can go to church at midnight. This year there was no 11:00 service but we enjoyed the 6:00 service just as much and a certain 7 year old was pretty proud when I handed him my real candle with real fire. Small children are given glow sticks, this was a right of passage moment for sure!
Our tradition of spending Christmas day at home is one that came from my parents. They determined when we were young that we would not be part of the rat race wherein you rip open presents at one Grandma's house so you can run another Grandma's house for more loot. We've done this with our kids too and I think it's my favorite of all traditions. It makes Christmas day relaxing and calm. The very best gift a Mama could get! We usually grill steak and throw some baked potatoes in the oven for a mid afternoon meal. We don't often buy steak, so it's a special meal that requires minimal time in the kitchen.
Stocking stuffers (usually exciting things like toothbrushes or batteries) are torn open with bedheads and pj's. Breakfast is simple, fruit and pastries, (with a side of bacon, by special request this year) and must be cleaned up before "real" gifts are opened.
Someone new read the Christmas story this year and did a pretty fantastic job of it! I don't believe Caesar Augustus is included in the first grade sight words list.
The "real" presents were not numerous but they were well received.
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| Important life skills are being learned here. Gotta teach 'em young! |
The problem with that whole "White Christmas" dream...
it makes it hard to break in a new bike.
it makes it hard to break in a new bike.
Mommy was pretty excited about her gift this year too! Not necessarily surprised, but definitely excited!
My husband spoils me! Looks like I'm set up to return the favor now.
Another evolving tradition is that of handmade gifts. This is a good time of year to start searching for ideas if you'd like to make your own gifts this Christmas. I, however, tend to get my best ideas the week or two before Christmas. Here are a few of this year's projects....
Reindeer Root Beer for the guys.
These were super simple and you can never go wrong with food gifts.
Hand painted signs for the ladies...
Slowly convincing my husband that saving the boards from the part of the barn we tore down was a good idea.
I had a lot of fun making these but they were somewhat time consuming.
Maybe I should have started before December 15th.
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We spent the end of Christmas week with Garry's family. His 2 sisters were here from out of state and the whole family was together for the first time in 2 years. Two brand new baby nieces to be spoiled and loved on. Food. Games. Cousin time. And a round of family pictures. Never a dull moment!
Somebody was pretty sure she was solely responsible for baby holding and nuk retrieving.
If you happen to notice the blanket behind Little Miss Adorable, it's another last minute DIY gift idea.
I've had several requests for adult sized ones for next year. =)
Plenty of food. Always.
This picture may or may not have been requested as appropriate compensation for their act of goodwill.
You guys rock! Really, you do!
(Even if you have to remind us...frequently.)
Game time.
It's been 5 years and 5 new grandchildren since our last attempt at family pictures.
It was painful but we endured to the end for the prize.
And yes, bribery during family pictures is one of our favorite traditions too!
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