Christmas Eve

 Since Jon's birthday is on Christmas Eve, it is always his choice as to whether or not we go to the Christmas Eve service at church.  This year he opted for us to go.  I'm so glad we went! The Christmas Eve service is a low key family time where, after all of the hustle and bustle, we can come together and make sure our focus is where it needs to be.  It is a time of singing, reflecting and celebrating the birth of our Saviour.  It was so sweet to have Luke in there with us and listening to him sing "Go Tell It On The Mountain"!  It doesn't get much better than that!

Since we were all dressed decent, I demanded some pictures in front of the tree.  Our plan for Christmas day was to stay in our jammies all day, so I knew a picture wasn't going to happen then.

Several years ago a tradition began.  It never failed that the kids were begging to open "just one" Christmas present before Christmas morning.  I finally broke down and let them, but I got to choose which one they got to open.  The gift that they got to open on Christmas Eve, from then on, has always been new Christmas jammies.  I love that they have special Christmas jammies for Christmas morning.  It looks great for pictures!  (:  

Sadly, a few years ago, Ben and Abby figured out that the gift is the same every year.  I tried to deny it, but...they were on to me.

This year, I wrapped the Christmas jammies in boxes that would not give away the shape of what was inside.  Abby was disappointed that I didn't do jammies this year when she saw the size and shape of her gift box.  She was pleased when she saw what her box contained!

All ready to be tucked into bed and try to sleep through their excitement of what awaits them on Christmas morning!