We went to our church's Christmas Eve service and our pastor had all the kids come up on the stage and listen to him read Luke chapter 2 to them which tells the birth of our Lord. When they got back to their families, we all lit our candles and sang Silent Night. It was a beautiful way to remember the precious first Christmas.
When we came home, the kids wanted to do something new. We've been helping the kids buy gifts for each other for a few years now and it's something they really look forward to. It's so sweet to see the thought they put into each gift. It's one of my favorite parts of the whole shopping craziness. This year, they even wrapped the gifts they chose but they still didn't want to put them under the tree right away. I thought this was a good idea as some of the gifts might have been guessed and I think that wouldn't have been a disappointment for the giver and for the recipient. But on Christmas Eve, they were ready to set out the presents they picked out and wrapped all on their own.
Afterward, it was time to put out cookies for Santa and sprinkle the dust for the reindeer.
Kristen's church has a midnight Christmas Eve service that she had planned on attending with Jon. When he came to pick her up, I couldn't resist a picture ;)
Oh my gosh! Ethan was just like Brandon with that Santa Tracker! That is hilarous.
ReplyDeleteThe kids getting each other gifts is the best part of our Christmas as well. They get so much more out of the entire gift business when they give. I try so hard to make sure that we do as much as possible throughout the season that is for others. This is the one way to do that within the family. The excitement is priceless for the giver!
I just wrote about wanting to do this, too! I think it would add to our Christmas experience--it definitely sounds like it does for you guys!
ReplyDeleteHope it was VERY merry all the way around!