{merry christmas}

Christmas Eve is my favorite part of Christmas, even more than Christmas morning.  I think it may be the anticipation of what will be, and all the things you do to celebrate and prepare before the the moment arrives and it's time to come downstairs. 

I love watching Christmas movies by the fire with mugs of hot chocolate, driving to see all of the Christmas lights, delivering treats to neighbors and friends, enjoying a yummy meal out together as a family, acting out the Nativity, reading the Christmas story, singing Christmas carols around the piano while the little ones dance around the family room, and then finally, after all the kids are tucked in their beds (with sugar plums dancing in their heads), Rick and I begin a tradition that dates back to when we were first married.  

We save all the wrapping for that night, and together, as we watch a movie (this year it was my all-time favorite Christmas movie, Meet Me in St. Louis), and sip hot chocolate, we get everything ready for the next morning.  There is something so magical about coming down in the morning, and being surprised to see all the gifts under the tree--I just love it. 

We were finished early this year, by past years' standards, and we were in bed a little after midnight--just in time for Santa to come.  :) The kids had been up late that night, so we were hoping they would sleep in, if only just a little.  We were lucky--and they didn't come in until about 7am.  Rick gathered the kids on the stairs, while I went down to turn on the tree lights and grab my camera.  

After we discovered what Santa has left in our stockings, it would normally be time for breakfast, then presents afterward.  This year however, since we had church at 11:30am, we went right to the presents.  There were no complaints.  :) The girls were thrilled to finally have their American Girl dolls, and the little boys were in heaven with Lightning McQueen and Mater Legos and race cars.  Ryan's favorite gift was an iPod Touch, and it was even more fun because it was a huge surprise. I love it when it's something they don't expect at all! 

Breakfast needed to be a little faster than it might have been otherwise, but we still enjoyed it and were able to get ready in time to leave for church.  I love when Christmas falls on a Sunday, and we're able to go to church.  It brings me back to the actual reason we celebrate Christmas--not the presents under the tree, or that Santa Claus came, but that a little baby was born in a stable long ago--who was Jesus Christ, our Savior.

 I sat with my family in the chapel, looked around the room at some of our dearest friends and family away from home, and felt an immense gratitude for all that I've been given.  Singing Christmas songs together, listening to beautiful musical presentations, and hearing Christmas messages was the perfect way to celebrate and enjoy Christmas Day.  It was wonderful!

Merry Christmas!