Christmas Eve.
One of my most favorite days. Yet one of the most stressful days of the year to get ready for. But definitely one of my favorite. After all the presents are wrapped, the food is prepared, and the cleaning is done…once my house is full of some of the most cherished people in my life…I’m in a good place.
This year was a little different because we didn’t make it to church, which never happens on Christmas Eve. Between multiple work schedules and Caelynne not feeling one hundred percent, we decided to simplify with the intension to still focus on the real meaning of Christmas.
Traditions I love and treasured moments…
Mac and cheese, little smokies, and this year Grammy made the yummiest ham and pineapple sandwiches.
A Christmas Eve Prayer…which this year, Kayce-e-bud wanted to say it (with help from cousin Daniel). “Dear God. Thank you for food. Thank you for family. Thank you for the birth of your son. Thank you for Jesus. We love you. Amen” Simple and Sweet.
Caelynne recited the entire poem, “The Night Before Christmas”, which she memorized in school. She also wanted to show off her dances. So fun. So adorable. I am in awe of how she continues to just blossom.
The kids all received a new Christmas book along with new jammies before bed. This year was, “The Christmas Wish” by: Lori Evert. They each have their own copy, with a handwritten note to each one. A yearly tradition, with the hope that they have a collection of beloved Christmas stories to share with their own children some day. We all trade-off but Bryan read the story before bed. I absolutely adored that.
I love how Daniel and Zhanna (Bryan’s cousin and his wife) make Hayes feel so special. They love on all the kids, but Hayes is their Godson, and the connection is just “there”. What a gift.
I love when my brother is home. Uncle Rob, to you kids…but he is Robby to me. It just isn’t Christmas without him right here.
And I love how at the end of the night, right before the kids crawl into bed, we snap a picture of the cousins. It is always crazy. But always my favorite picture of the season.
I never want these days to end. Really truly. Every single year I’m in awe of the magic and in awe of the blessings that God has given us. Including the true gift…Jesus.
Hope yours was as full of love as ours.
And…just for fun…
(Christmas 2010)
XXOO
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