One of our favorite Christmas traditions is going to the Christmas display in downtown Ogden. There are lots of little buildings all decked out in holiday splendor. My kids love running to each one to see what wonders it stores, and of course, the high light of the night is a visit to Santa Claus. This year I forgot my camera!!! Roo's first visit to Santa and no picture! Nate took some with his phone, but it just isn't the same.
Other traditions I love are making Christmas candy. My sister Trisha came and we spent hours making all the yummy treats my Grandma Ruth used to make... golf balls, English toffee, peanut clusters, peppermint balls, Chex mix, and I could go on and on. It reminds me so much of my grandma and the hours I spent at her house making treats. I'm amazed at her patience, because I have a very hard time letting my kids help. I want it done just a certain way. Mr. T loves to help and so does Boo. I can't wait until they are old enough to really help.
Every year we go to my dear friend Carolyn's house for a lasagna dinner and gift giving. We look forward to it all year long, and so nice to visit with her, Allison and James.
I also love putting up the decorations and shopping for the perfect tree. Putting the lights on the tree, not so much, but I do love decorating the tree. Especially since we inherited an artificial tree for the downstairs that the kids can decorate any way they want.
Christmas Eve is just magical! I love our traditional soup dinner in bread bowls followed by the Nativity scene done by all the grandkids. After that we have a talent show where EVERYONE from the babies on up to Grandpa all participate. It is full of laughter and tears, singing, stories, jokes, and piano.
Then there is the magic of Christmas morning. I have to admit, I'm the last one to bed and the first one up. I have to wait and wait for the kids to wake up. I've even been guilty of waking them when they didn't get up soon enough. This is usually around 6 or 6:30a.m.
Of course there are lots of tears and lots of yelling this time of year. The excitement is crazy and I get stressed right out, but through it all I love it! This year I'm especially loving the "If you don't be good I'm going to call Santa..." It is working like a charm for Mr. T and Boo. I'll be very sad when I can't use that one any more.
I didn't send Christmas cards this year, so to everyone who reads this have a very merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years!!!
