Christmas celebrations started for me on Wednesday, December 19th. I met my two co-workers for dinner at Babe's and then went over to Painting with a Twist. It was only my 2nd time ever to do the painting thing and I forgot how much I enjoyed it. I'm plum awful at it, but it's so much fun. I am going to try to coordinate a ladies night out with my church gals and do that! I think it would be fun. Anyhow, we painted a deer in the snowy woods. My deer looks more like a fox, but o'well!
We had another Christmas gathering was on Saturday the 22nd of December. The ladies in my family started hosting an annual baking party at one of my aunt's houses. This was the 3rd annual, I believe. One of my aunts is the ultimate party planner and coordinated so many fun games for us! She even had prizes and take-homes for everyone that came. We arrived to a table set with the most festive drinks! It was such a fun time.
We had a couple of other family gatherings over the weekend, but I 100% failed to take any pictures. I know, so unlike me!
Christmas Eve was the day we celebrated at my parent's house. The 5 boys love when they can all get together and play their hearts out. They had such a good time. And it was great to spend time with my brother's new wife!
That evening we went to one of my favorite services of the year, Christmas Eve Candlelight service. We go to our previous church for this service as it has been our tradition for the last 5 or so years. Our church has never had a Christmas Eve service until this year. We were so torn on what to do, but ultimately stuck with tradition. They have such a neat portion of the service dedicated to only the children of the congregation and I love it. Mason knows the Christmas Story well, but loves to hear it over and over!! You could never hear it enough in my opinion. This year the storyteller was phenomenal and really interacted with the kids. I was happy to see Mason's hand shoot up in the air any time a question was asked! They passed out battery operated candles to the children too small to hold a real candle and also a Nativity storybook! The rest of the service was as amazing as always and such a good message on how Jesus is the light of the world. It's so moving, that Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
That evening we came home and Mason opened his Christmas Eve box (Pajamas, Magical Reindeer Food, Santa's Magical Key and most importantly, our Inn Keeper's Key!). Mason sprinkled his reindeer food, left the keys on the porch, and put out cookies & milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. He went to sleep around 10ish. He was excited as was to be expected but went to sleep quicker than I thought he would. Only he woke up around 11:30 to use the restroom and couldn't go back to sleep. It was around 3 am before he passed back out. And then he was back up at 8:15ish excited and ready to go. He's literally only a morning person on Christmas. He was excited and completely surprised by what Santa left him! And we are surprised by Santa as well. He brought a Hoverboard! Don't worry, he also left a helmet and full pads!
Is there anything better than being a parent and watching your kids on Christmas???
We spent a little time at home and then mosied on over to Nate's parent's house for Christmas with them. We had a pajama Christmas so that was amazing!! My favorite. Nate's Aunt and Grandmother joined us and we had a great time. We ate, opened gifts, played outside and played games. Years ago we started a tradition of taking a photo with a bow on all of our heads. We had to take one this year with our newest Christmas attendees!!
Since Christmas we have been soaking up all of the family time together. Nate's off on Christmas shutdown and Mason's off on Christmas break so it's been incredible. We are getting so spoiled to all of this time together. I'm back at work this week, but so thankful I work at home and can hang out with my best guys!!
Here's a video I made of our Christmas.
Hope you had the best Christmas yet! Happy New Year!!
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