Christmas Eve. What an exciting day! Last year I took advantage of after Christmas sales so that I had all the fixings I would need {and more} to decorate our home for this Christmas. Little did I know, we wouldn't be in our home for another Christmas, we would be in a small apartment where we couldn't hang anything on the walls. All of our Christmas decorations are in storage, but the kids and I did our best to make our living space as warm and festive as possible. As a mom and wife, it wasn't easy not having "our nice things" but it helped us all focus on the real meaning of the season. A warm and cozy place to share Christmas memories with friends and family. We have it all!
Posing in front of our decorated window. Slightly ghetto.
We met up with the Biddlecom's and Aunt Margie for the morning. We started at the Four Seasons {see picture below} and walked around the city until the children asked to stop for food. It was a bitterly cold morning, but no one seemed to mind much. The kids had a great time together, as usual. Christian was the ultimate winter warrior of the day. He was running around the city with no mittens {I tried, but he wouldn't wear them} and his hands never got cold. He's a little furnice.
The decorations at the Four Seasons were beautiful. A Christmas tree made out of teddy bears? The kids loved it. The adults were exctied when we saw Conan O'Brian and his family. Something for everyone!
Cuddling up with Grandma for some Christmas stories before nap.
In the evening Scott and Inge prepared a {delicious} Christmas Eve salad that we all shared. Some of us sitting at our small table, others on the couch. Thankfully, I think I was the only one who was bothered at not having a big enough table gather round.
Keeping with tradition, the children were allowed to open one gift on Christmas eve. Christmas pajamas! Again, keeping with tradition, we read our two very special books that I grew up reading as a little girl on Christmas Eve. First, I read the Polar Express. I had never actually been the one to read it aloud; I have such fond memories of my dad's voice telling the story. I got a little chocked up at the end. It was so special for me to be reading this treasured book to MY children and sharing with them the magic and wonder of Christmas.
Christian took it very seriously.
Lindalee, not so much.
Chris then read the children 'Twas the Night before Christmas. Christian loved the story, Lindalee loved playing with the Santa ordiments that came with the book. To each their own!
Christian was very excited to set up this table for Santa and his reindeer. He wrote Santa a note: "Dear Santa, We wish you a hairy {yes, hairy} Christmas and a Happy New Year!"
Our Christmas tree didn't fare well this year. Pretty, for a dead tree.
While visions of sugar plumbs danced in their heads....
Thankful for sharing treasured traditions and the true meaning of Christmas!
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