Christmas 2017

And so it began, the night before Christmas. As we opened our last door on the Advent calendar, the excitement in our house was at an all time high. Both children were giggly with joy and laughter about the upcoming Christmas Day. To make this day of anticipation even sweeter, we started off with some new and old traditions. First up a North Pole breakfast:

We spent most of the day relaxing and hanging out in our pj's until it was time to get ready for the Candle Light service at church in the late afternoon. Our obligatory Christmas family picture:

At church, we sang some beautiful Christmas songs, listened to the Christmas story and the children were even invited to the front to perform a song.

But what I loved the best and what reminds me every year about our Christmas Eve service in Germany when I was a child, is the final song "Silent Night" sang only with the lights of the candles. 

After church we stopped by at one of our favorites houses to enjoy the light show synced to some great Christmas music: 

Before heading to bed on that last night before Christmas, we made sure to put out the cookies and milk for Santa and sprinkle some reindeer food in the backyard. We also kissed our elves, Eli and Sparkle, goodbye as they had to fly back to the North Pole and we won't see them till next December:

Usually, I try to buy an ornament each year for our family but this year I did not find one that I liked nor did I had the time to search for it, so we just made one that afternoon. Amelia and I loved doing this activity together and this might be my new favorite Christmas Eve tradition. 

"Merry Christmas to all and to all...a good night."

After leisurely getting up, the children were excited to see what Santa has brought them. Each child only had one wish (and they each only get 3 gifts from us) and Santa delivered. Seeing the day thru their eyes, the pure joy in their faces and the excitement is what makes this day so magical and delightful. 

Waiting expectantly to open their stockings:

And then it was time to open Santa's gift: A Barbie Camper and a SeaPatroller. 

Santa also brought some lovely gifts for Mommy and Daddy. 

Happy children with their new gifts:

After opening our gifts, we just enjoyed the day at home, eating a delicious turkey dinner, playing games and relaxing in our pj's. 

While the children were excited about the gifts, they also know that this day is not about the gifts they receive but the gift God gave us. And for that, we are truly thankful. We hope you all had a merry and bright Christmas! Ours definitely was just as perfect as it gets.