Christmas Eve I took the three oldest children to church so they could participate in the service as part of the Junior Choir. The service was beautiful and it was fun to see friends and celebrate the season.

When we got home, the children watched a movie and played games while Michael and I wrapped presents. Each of them wanted to help wrap presents, so we saved a few for them to wrap. Finally, around 11:30 pm we started chasing kiddos off to bed. But when they realized how close it was to Christmas, they couldn’t hold in their excitement, so I put them to work straightening in the living room. At midnight they hopped up and down with glee and wished us all a Merry Christmas. Then we really did send them to bed.

Todd spent the night with us so he could enjoy the whole Christmas-morning experience. It was nice to have another adult here to play with and supervise the children.

Thanks to the late night, the children slept in on Christmas morning. We had a nice peaceful waking up time with our younger set, and finally, when we were ready, we woke up the older children.

We enjoyed a leisurely morning of opening presents and unpacking stockings. Since we had decided to give fewer gifts this year, we didn’t hurry anyone along if they wanted to sit and enjoy playing with something once they opened it. Judah had help opening and enjoying the new pieces to his Mr. Potato Head. Miguel had lots of friends wanting to make things with the Zoobs he got. Laura couldn’t believe we really gave her a tin of sardines in her stocking. Isaac was tickled with the sauerkraut he got in his stocking. Luke was eager to play a game with the Spiderman Monopoly set he opened. And Amelia’s gift of supplies to start hosting her own tea parties was just perfect. She couldn’t wait to get into the kitchen.

Once we were done opening gifts, it was time to start playing some of the new games. Luke beat Uncle Todd in two games of Pentago before Uncle Todd turned the tables and started winning. Then they set up the Spiderman Monopoly and turned into real-estate tycoons. Meanwhile, Amelia and I headed to the kitchen to whip up a few things. First we sliced bread to make cheese toast. Amelia spread the butter and sprinkled the cheese. She was very eager to do every step she could. While the cheese toast was in the oven, we made a batch of rice crispy treats. Later on, I made some chocolate frosting so Amelia could decorate the cookies. Everyone enjoyed sampling Amelia’s creations.

Isaac disappeared from the party for a long time while he put together a set of Star Wars Legos. It’s a set of Michael’s that he’s been admiring for a long time, so he was tickled to discover that it was a gift to him from his dad. Finally he could open that box!

Once things quieted down, I took a nap, and when I got up, I loaded up Lilly to go see some relatives who were in town for the day. We had a delightful visit, and then hurried home again to rejoin the party here.

After supper, Todd offered to stay with the children so Michael and I could go to the Monroe house to get a little work done. We really want to have the house close to ready for listing by the new year, so we’re making another push to get the last things done.

So, that was our Christmas Day.  You can see photos here in my gallery.  It was a good Christmas celebration.