Our Christmas Eve was a success - we had lots of smiles, and giggles, and questions, like "we don't have a chimney, so how will Santa come in," or " does Santa like blueberries," and it went on and on - the innocence and sweetness of it all. I have never told them Santa is real or exists more that he is just in our imagination and for fun - but I go with whatever they want - and it is so fun.
I am excited for tomorrow - a lazy day around the tree, playing, reading, watching movies, drinking eggnog, and cherishing these years when all they want is to be together.
Our Christmas Eve in Pictures:
We started the morning with eggnog waffles (defilement a new tradition) - super easy and tasty to make, and it adds so much fun and excitement to our day.
This year time got away from us a little bit, and due to our trip an emergency room visit, and over time at work for Nate we decided to decorate our gingerbread houses on the morning of Christmas eve - that way the kids are doing something with us and they will be more content to play by themselves in the afternoon while we do the final Christmas prep.
This one is by far one of my favourite things to do - we started it a few years back when the kids were way to little, and Nate and I ended up doing most of it, while trying to control and maintain sticky hands and pure chaos. We have come a long way.
Ian loves this so much because he is so meticulous and that comes emerges more with a project like this - he is so precise.
It was a fun morning fill with anticipation and lots of excitement, giggles and laughter.
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| Hayleigh's house. |
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| Ian's house. |
This was so much fun, and looking over to the bench in the kitchen makes me smile every single time.
Hayleigh helped me in the kitchen the rest of the afternoon - preparing dinner for Christmas day (I like doing it the day before that way I don't miss out on Christmas.)
She is great at snapping of the ends on the green beans.
Our true festivities began just before sunset. We had our traditional breakfast for dinner scenario and the kids thought it was amazing.
Christmas and winter shaped pancakes - thanks to Nate.
Donut holes disguised as snowballs.
And two super excited and thrilled kids - makes everything worth it.
Little traditions that works year after year is still just as fun and exhilarating!
New Christmas jammies, reindeer food, hot chocolate, books, and snowflake marshmallows. What is not to love?
We went outside to leave food for the reindeer, I mean Santa gets cookies so why can't they get something?
They love doing this every single year and it never gets old, I love their giggles, and laughs, and awkward little gestures. They make life so much more beautiful.
We found some leftover fourth of July sparklers (I know, I know) so added that the mix. Of course it was a hit.
We snuggled up with some new books, and some sweet kisses and hugs, to end the night.
Cookies for Santa was set out perfectly, everything was adjusted neatly...
And we went to be with great anticipation for the next day. These sweet and tender moments means the world to me, it keeps me going, it motivates me, and encourages me that somewhere along the line we are doing something right (even if it is just something small)
I love these kids and they joy they bring to our life, how they are showing me to see the magical and beauty for a different perspective, and to slow down, to take more time, and to savor more.
This Christmas season has been that, strengthening our little family bonds.
Merry Christmas Eve!
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