Christmas Eve 2008

There is just something about snuggly new pajamas on excited kids that just screams Christmas Eve to me! We had such a sweet, calm Christmas Eve. We came home from sledding, ate cinnamon toast and hot chocolate, and gathered in the living room for the nativity story. This year we took the advice of President Eyring and even though we don't have enough family members for all the parts we made due. The kids loved finding random bathrobes and crowns for the play. I think Gabriella and I were more princess than wise men in our pink and purple sparkly crowns, but Joshua was a the perfect Shepherd watching over his little sheep tucked into his robe pocket. Mariah was a very caring Mary, and Samantha was our angel holding her star high to guide us all. Kris was the narrator as well as Joseph and we all enjoyed the Christmas story one last time for this season. We sang a few carols and enjoyed the lights of our tree.

The kids exchanged gifts with each other. They had picked out the gifts themselves and I loved watching the face of the giver as he or she anticipated what reaction the receiver of their gift would have. It was so special. Kris and I gave the kids pjs and bathrobes and the kids pretty much stripped down right there and got in their cozy things. The kids got all settled down in Joshua's room and actually went to sleep pretty easily. Sledding did it's job!

I hate to see Christmas come to an end, but it was a wonderful night and I was excited for the kids the next day!