Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is full of tradition in our home.  I wouldn't mind changing things around just for fun but the kids love "tradition".  Christmas Eve came late this year because Devon didn't get off work until 9:00 PM.  We waited for him to be able to be with us.  Mom prepared for the traditional "shepherd dinner."  She had everyone get dressed in their shepherd costumes.  She prepared salmon locks, salmon steaks, fish, crab, shrimp, and Mediterranean chicken kabobs as the main course, all served with flat seasoned bread and Mediterranean vegetables.  She used to prepare only fish, however Devon really didn't like it and we wanted this to be an enjoyable night for everyone so Mom added the chicken for him.  It turned that Robert and Marissa also preferred the chicken - so good move Mom.

Jessica playing a Christmas hymn

For dinner we turn off all the lights and eat by tender candle light, trying to set the atmosphere of what it would have been like 2011 years ago.  After everyone finishes dinner, we clean up, change clothes and for the reading of the Nativity story and singing of Christmas hymns and carols.  

Robert playing a Christmas song

Robert and Jessica also accompanied the music.  It was wonderful to see them play the piano.

Okay, so then the evening completely shifted gears into opening the one Christmas Eve present.  Typically this is Mom's way of making sure everyone wears pajamas that are matching or coordinating for Christmas pictures the next morning.  Everyone is so very excited.  Robert opened first, then Devon and Daddy.  There - that's all the boys done.  Then Marissa, followed by Jessica and Mommy for the girls pajamas.  This really gets everyone excited for the special day tomorrow.  This year Mom was able to set the camera for a family photo.  

To finish the evening, the kids leave one cookie each and a glass of milk out for Santa before everyone goes up to Mom and Dad's room to sleep together.   This gets a bit crazy.  Everyone has dragged a mattress into our room.  We started this tradition years ago so that the kids couldn't peak on the Christmas tree before mom and dad got up, or during the middle of the night when Santa would come.  

It was a wonderful evening - especially having Devon home from work and Jessica home from college.  I realize that our times of having everyone home for Christmas is coming to an end.  Within 5 years we could lose this wonderful family time, but hopefully not.

Sweet dreams!  

Merry Christmas!