Yep, Christmas is over! And while I am just itching to take down all the decorations and reclaim my house from the wrapping paper and toys everywhere, I *am* trying to enjoy all that this season is and to soak up this very precious time with my sweet little family.
Our Christmas was good -- just our family (and then some friends for lunch and the afternoon). It is fun to see how different traditions from our families have been passed down and to see how we as a family have created our own. Isn't that one of the best parts of holidays? The tradition -- the feeling that no matter where you are, what you are doing, or what life looks like at the moment that there is consistency in parts of our lives. There are things that we can count on. There are things that just are.
A recap of the festivities...
Christmas Eve dinner has always been spaghetti in my family. Don't know why, but I love it anyway. It tastes good and it super easy. I think Katie enjoyed herself, don't you?
Then it was on the baths and gifts. In my family, we have always opened a gift on Christmas Eve. Well, to be honest, there were always SO many presents that we sometimes started a few days before that. And opened more than one. But, you get the idea. One thing we DIDN'T do growing up but something I have enjoyed with my kids is new Christmas jammies on Christmas Eve. Alaina is old enough that she remembered and so was super excited.
Now, I am not typically one for matchy-matchy stuff for my kids. But, hey, this is Indonesia and these are the ONLY Christmasy-type jammies to be found and it took me several hours and several stores to come close to finding their sizes. Katelynn was not included in this festive tradition because she has one of her own -- all four of my kids have worn the same outfit for their first Christmas. Yep, thankful for all springish birthdays and 9-12 month clothes on Christmas morning.
After presents came cupcakes for Jesus' birthday. This is a tradition passed down from Jason's family. I love the idea of a birthday cake for Jesus and we have done it in the past, but the problem always was that after eating a huge turkey dinner on Christmas day we weren't hungry for cake. So, we decided this year that we would start doing it on Christmas Eve. It was perfect.
And a candle to celebrate a Lord and Savior who WAS, who IS, and whoever forever WILL BE.
Then on to Christmas morning...
All the kids still snug in their beds (while visions of coffee and lots of it danced in my head)
A quick kiss from Santa Claus caught by the camera I had programmed to take pictures throughout the morning. A more "candid" look at Christmas. That would be foil in my hand -- I was trying to prep the turkey before the festivities got started.
One cute little dude with serious bed head
Sweet miss Katelynn and her Santa Claus Daddy who didn't think he had to smile because "no one would be able to tell."
Three VERY happy kiddos riding new bikes and falling and crying at oh, I'd say maybe 6 o'clock in the morning.
Every year we read the Christmas story before opening gifts and let the kids "act it out" using their LITTLE PEOPLE nativity set. One of the best purchases we have ever made. I love having a nativity set that they can play with!
Miss Katie is supposed to opening her first gift, but really, she would rather just crawl on top of it.
Alaina, the card-making queen, reading her sweet card to Levi
Levi the basketball superstar goes in for 2 (and if you look closely at his rear end you can see that he must have sat on some tape or something because his pants are sticking together! LOL!)
And saving the best for last -- a popcorn maker! Oh how we have missed popcorn and oh what I wouldn't give for microwave popcorn that didn't cost over $1 a bag!
It was a wonderful day and it reminded me, once again, how precious these people are and how blessed I am to call them mine.
Hope your Christmas was sweet and blessed as well!
Awe...thanks for inviting us in on your Christmas - the pictures make me feel like I was there! :) Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!
Posted by: MandaKay | December 27, 2008 at 04:17 AM
Oh thanks so much for this Janet! I love the photo of Katie in spaghetti the most LOL! We gave *A* a candy cane and oh it was a mess, but so fun! I have my photos already on the 'puter and was hoping to post my story (on FB) last night, but too tired. I have to say your cupcakes look PERFECT! I made the absolute messiest cake ever HAHA! But it was yummy! I love seeing all your photos and reading your stories. THANK YOU! You have helped me to be a better story teller and see how important it is to make sure these memories are captured with the details put in words. Merry Christmas!!
Posted by: Hollie | December 27, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Cute, cute pictures!
Posted by: Melissa | December 27, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Love the idea of a Jesus cake :D Fun to see how you celebrate Christmas at your place.
Merry Christmas to you!
Posted by: anneberit | December 28, 2008 at 03:40 AM
Try a Pop-O-Pot in your microwave, they make the best popcorn ever. Use the oil and popcorn, that you like best. It is like the same device that the first popcorn makers ever used.
Posted by: chuck | December 28, 2008 at 04:36 AM
What wonderful photos! Again! The one of your little boy with the bed head is AWESOME! And I really like the idea of the cupcakes on Christmas Eve. Need to make note of adding that to our traditions next year!
Posted by: Joy | December 28, 2008 at 01:23 PM
This sounds awesome! I can't wait to see it! Can you also tell me what kit you used for your banner?
Thanks! Happy New Year!
Erin
Posted by: Erin Gardner-Jensen | December 31, 2008 at 04:29 AM
You have such gorgeous light in your house!! And I love the cupcake idea for Jesus' birthday - I may have to do that next year myself. Thanks for sharing your Christmas with us.
Posted by: falwyn | January 03, 2009 at 05:10 PM
I've been to ask this question for a while now, but keep forgetting. :)
I noticed you said you had your camera programmed to take pictures throughout the morning. Are you talking about time lapse photography? If so, how did you do it? I would love to be able to do this!!!
I love your photos by the way. Thanks for sharing them with us!!!
Posted by: Sarah | January 08, 2009 at 09:47 AM