Our Christmas Eve Traditions!

Christmas Eve is one of my very favorite nights of the entire year!!! I think for a few reasons, first because I have such wonderful memories of Christmas Eve as a child, second because it is so fun to see the kids so excited and last but definitely not least, because we focus so much that night of our Savior's birth and the true meaning of Christmas! The world seems so peaceful and calm. I especially love it when it snows on Christmas Eve. This Christmas Eve we were so happy to have Mark's parents with us. This was nice for us as they were soon to be leaving for Mexico,their 2nd mission. They joined us for our special candle light Christmas eve dinner. We have Chicken Cordon Blu, mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, rolls, shrimp, eggnog, and sparkling cider. I wish I would have taken a picture of us eating!

A few of our Christmas Eve traditions...

The kids opening pajamas.

We always play the left/right game. Everyone starts with a present and as the story is told everyone passes a present either to the left or to the right as the word left or right is read. At the end of the story whatever present you have you are suppose to open. Although we usually switch them around a little.

Then of coarse we act out the Nativity Story. Always a lot of fun to see what costumes we come up with. This year Strat wanted to be the over seer? He ended up being the picture taker!

Mark loves to be the narrator!

Our very cute wise men, Jacob and Kaden!

I was a shepherd and Nita was the Angel.

Tyler was a kind and gentle Joseph and Madison was Mary so dear.

We had a wonderful evening. I hope our children have fond memories of Christmas Eve as they grow and have families of their own.