Christmas Eve

Before my grandmother (dad's mom) passed away, our Christmas Eve was packed full of festivities. Dad's family would come to our house, and after they left, my great Aunt Jean and her family would come over. People get over, and families grow, traditions fade. In the past few years we've worked on creating a new tradition. We've been going to mom's for Christmas Eve night and Christmas morning in order to maintain the only tradition we have left - going to PaDeck's for breakfast Christmas morning, but I will get to that later.

This year Jonathan and I decided to grab a ham on the way up and cook for Mom. We went up a night early in order to get some more time with Mom as well.

December 23 -

Christmas Eve Mom needed to run to Wal-Mart, so we went early to avoid the largest crowd. When we got back, I ran by Aunt Donna's for a quick visit and to give her a Christmas gift. She sent the kiddos gifts, so I let them open them when we got back to Mom's. They LOVED the gifts she got them too - a cup, plate, and silverware set! So cute!!



Addison was immediately ready to eat lunch after she opened them too!!

This was my first time to try cooking a ham, and it was so easy! It turned out really pretty, but thank the Lord it was delicious too!



We also have a tradition of feeding the reindeer (oatmeal and glitter). Addison enjoys throwing it out for the reindeer, and I know that Tate will one day too!

 We put Gary the Elf out for Santa to get and take back to the North Pole, and against all tradition, we put out chocolate and peanut butter chip cookies and coke. We are sure Santa gets tired of the same ole', same ole' chocolate chip cookies and milk.