Christmas Eve 2021

Since we decided to do our family Christmas on Christmas Eve, it was an early morning. We don't allow our kids to come down before 6:00 which is extremely generous, right??? Well, who knows how long they'd been awake, before Matt woke me up at 5:40 and told me he heard all four of them upstairs whispering and watching the clock. Their excitement for Christmas is magical. It's something I'll definitely miss then they get older and start to appreciate sleep. 

They opened their stockings first. They goth their traditional toothpaste and underwear and some small, fun surprises too. 

I surprised Matt with some Jocko Fuel in his stocking. He could use it after the early morning. 

Then we moved on to the present opening. We usually wrap three presents for each kid to open. They took turns somewhat patiently. 

Katherine's reactions are always the best when she opens gifts. 

Elisabeth got some craft kits and a make your own blanket kit

Her biggest surprise was a Precious Moments ornament and a note for a date to visit the Precious Moments Chapel with Mom.

Nathan got a "Lego" OSU football stadium, Madden 2022 and a new watch. 

Smauel got a Knex set, a new watch he'd been asking for and a Switch classic board game game. 

Katherine got her suitcase, a Barbie Camper and Pizza Shop Osmo

Again, with her reactions- there's no beating them (Nathan might come close though). 

They also got to open their gifts from their Iowa cousins who always give them the best books. 

Matt got me a new board game and a Cricut press that I specifically asked for. 

I got him John Christ tickets and a new game. 

After the gifts under the tree had been opened, we planned a puzzle/scavenger hunt for the kids for one last surprise. That's become a tradition for them on Christmas morning. 

Their puzzles led them each to a unique location where they found a wrapped gift with a clue inside. They figured it out pretty quickly. 

Matt and I booked flights for Disney World a couple of months before and decided to keep it a secret until Christmas for them. They were as excited as we had hoped they would be. 

We spent the rest of the morning assembling and playing with their gifts. 

Elisabeth helped me make our traditional waffles for breakfast. It was a joy having her help this year. 

Christmas morning breakfast is the best. These people make Christmas so special. 

After breakfast we played some more. 

We all enjoyed not having many plans for the day and being able to relax and enjoy each other and the new gifts. 

We played all morning, had lunch together, watched a Christmas movie and played some more. 

Later that afternoon we got dressed and attended our church's Christmas Eve service. 

It was a special time to center our hearts on the true meaning of Christmas. The gifts, family time and traditions are so special, but without the hope of Christ, Christmas would lose all its meaning. 

I teared up listening to the songs and seeing the candlelight fill the room. The joy, hope and love that Christ brings to Christmas- it's everything we need in this world. 

Katherine was proud to wave her "candle" during Silent Night. 

That evening after the service, we invited the Pashkovets to join us for dinner. 

We had a special night visiting and playing with them. They also let their kids open gifts early and went to Christmas Eve service at their church. 

 While the kids played, we taught their mom and dad how to play Settlers of Catan which was so much fun. We had a great night with these sweet friends. It was the perfect way to end a perfect Christmas Eve.