We usually go swimming on Christmas Eve (this is a tradition started from our "every-other-year" celebrating with the Jacklin Family). However, on our off year we sometimes have to make exceptions like sledding. This year Abbie was being treated for Bronchitis so they opted for Bowling!
We have followed the Flinders tradition of Fresh Seafood for our Christmas Eve meal.
This year's menu included prime rib with mushroom sauce, king crab, and fried shrimp! No complaints from anyone!
After dinner we go downstairs and watch Luke 2, the church's short movie on the Savior's Birth. Afterwards, Jug reads the account from the Bible while the kids somewhat act it out! We aren't trying to be irreverant...it just sometimes looks like it!
Then it is the opening of the traditional Christmas Eve Pajama Gift!! This is when the excitement really heats up! The kids know that if they aren't sleeping when Santa comes he will pass on by...so it is so funny to watch the panic start as they know there are still a couple of things to do, and they need to get them done FAST!
We have to leave Santa his snack, (homemade chocolate chip cookies, mint covered oreos, eggnog and a Pepsi!), scatter something for the reindeer (carrots, or reindeer food they get from school), look for Rudolph and Santa's sleigh in the sky, lay out the stockings and FINALLY read "Jolly Old Santa Clause" all together in Janey's room where the kids all find a spot to nestle down in and spend the night!
It's the same basic drill every year...and we are leading it less and less the older the kids get! Good times for everyone!
Then it is the opening of the traditional Christmas Eve Pajama Gift!! This is when the excitement really heats up! The kids know that if they aren't sleeping when Santa comes he will pass on by...so it is so funny to watch the panic start as they know there are still a couple of things to do, and they need to get them done FAST!
We have to leave Santa his snack, (homemade chocolate chip cookies, mint covered oreos, eggnog and a Pepsi!), scatter something for the reindeer (carrots, or reindeer food they get from school), look for Rudolph and Santa's sleigh in the sky, lay out the stockings and FINALLY read "Jolly Old Santa Clause" all together in Janey's room where the kids all find a spot to nestle down in and spend the night!
It's the same basic drill every year...and we are leading it less and less the older the kids get! Good times for everyone!
6 comments:
I love your new posts. Traditions shared with family are among the very best treasures. There is nothing like them. Very cute pictures too. Santa must get lots of caffeine. At our house, we leave out waffles and DIET COKE!!!! lol
Love the pepsi!
Hi Jacklin's
It looks like you had great family time over the holiday.
As my boys have gotten older they remember what we did as a family not what they recieved from santa. Traditions is the best thing to do with your family. Happy New Year!!!
I know the REAL reason Christmas Eve is your favorite holiday :) Such fun times and aside from the seafood it sounds like a wonderful day!
What a amazing day and tradition you have set! I am jealous, but give me a few more years and maybe we can build on what we have going. Enjoy it, and thanks for sharing.
Sure was fun reading your blog. Thanks for the cute photos and the written word. Great fun for the family and lots of wonderful memories.
Mom
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