Christmas Festivities-Part Three (and some other random parts)

Christmas Eve

This Christmas Eve we had our traditional dinner at Wingers.  This is something we've done for 3 years now and we really enjoy it and hope to continue it.  It's really nice to have dinner with our small family in a mostly quiet environment to prepare for the chaos that is always Christmas Day.  

After dinner we came home to a clean, quiet house where Grammy Tammy and Grandpa Kenny came to give the kids their Christmas jammies.   I made the kids some 'hot socks' (warmers that are heated up in the microwave to keep the user toasty and warm in bed on these freezing winter nights.  The kids named them 'hot socks') which they love and sleep with every night.  Jayci's has even become a special object of comfort that helps put her to sleep, even after scary dreams.  Grammy and Grandpa got matching ones.

 Grammy got us a new version of 'The Night Before Christmas', beautifully illustrated by a local artist (I already packed up Christmas so I can't look up his name at the moment) which we read by the light of the Christmas tree.  In some ways I enjoy the small, peaceful activities of Christmas Eve that are full of so much anticipation more than Christmas Day itself.  The quiet moments with my family were definitely my favorite this year.

 The loveliness of post-santa-arrival

I woke up about 3 am to rustling noises and Moe had opened his stocking and was playing with his new toys.  Seriously, he didn't touch any of the other stockings or gifts, but he knew what was for him!

Jess's idea of "wrapping": stuff in the corner behind the tree!  (Isn't my new diaper bag cute though?  Wrapped or not, I love it!)

Moe's "spot" all though the holidays.  He squished his way in after the gifts were placed, and kept attacking Jess when he was taking the tree down.

Some other highlights throughout the month that I want to include here:

-Taking the kids shopping for a child whose parents don't have to means to give her a Christmas.  

This was a four year old girl who loves pink, dress-ups, and princesses.  Our kids could relate to her in so many ways and even though we never got to meet her, Jayci talked (and still sometimes talks) about her like she's her best friend.  Her only 'wants' on her list were a new dress and a barbie, but we had fun spoiling her.   It was a neat opportunity to see my kids enjoy 'giving' so much, and then we had some good moments and talks to reflect on giving, why we give, and gratitude. 

-Our sweet little family night to help prepare our family and children to remember the true meaning of Christmas.  

We planned a short lesson where we read an illustrated version of the birth of Christ and used a nativity as props.  Then Jess and I bore short testimonies to the kids, and finished by watching the church-produced 5 minute, yet very powerful video of 'The Nativity'. 

-Gingerbread-house making

Jack and Jess made the train while Jayci and I made the house.  This is always a fun way to get excited for Christmas!

I love the eyes Jayci put on our snowman!