IT IS LOVELY!
Just for a handful of minutes, though, I am going to think and write about our 2024 Christmas celebration!
The anticipation of the holidays was great in my mind around that time – with excitement and just a bit of overwhelm as I tried to get ready for all the things while our days were already so very full.
Thankfully, the Lord met me each morning (as He always does during my quiet time!) and kept my focus where my focus was meant to be!
Scottie and Addie offered to host Christmas Eve, and it was a GREAT idea and SO MUCH FUN!
First things first on Christmas Eve, though, as we all headed to church to attend the candlelight service.
I was just a bit emotional when I walked in and saw so many in our family leading worship that night – it filled my heart so full!
We had split up the food duties for Christmas Eve, but stuck with our theme of hor d’oeuvres.
As always, there was so much delicious food!!
It was fun to have so many yummy options to chose from!
After filling all the tummies, the siblings open their gifts from the sibling gift exchange.
I love that they have continued this tradition and added the spouses – they had a great time with it!!
I wish I had photos!
The next morning started with our trio here at home as they opened their gifts from Blake and I.
We had a brunch planned for later that morning when everyone would be joining us!
Eliza also got to play with her new Polaroid – Tate had Eliza’s name in the sibling gift exchange and had given her this!
The only photo I have of our trio opening their gifts is this one of Eliza holding a mug I had made for her.
Brunch started at 11:00 and the food spread was yummy again!!
I do not remember when we started our Christmas morning brunch tradition, but I hope it is here to stay!
What we usually do in the late afternoon, then, is re-run the snacks from Christmas Eve.
It works perfectly!
After brunch David, Kayla and their crew were the ones left with gifts to open.
We kind of opened gifts in shifts – which is just what happened with some needing to be other places – and it actually worked out very nicely!
It would have been way too much all at once, I think!
The whole crew had gone together to get a gift for Blake and I too!
It was SO sweet!
After all of the gifts were given, I “found” two gifts tucked behind the tree that I had “forgotten.”
Blake and I totally planned this, you all, so pay attention!!
Our two son-in-laws joke often about who is the favorite here, just to set this story up properly and all.
I handed these last two gifts to my sons-in-law at the same time.
David was delayed in opening his for just a minute behind Scottie – and Scottie was literally doing a dance after opening his – but then sees David has the same thing – WE DIED LAUGHING!!
When I asked to get a photo of them in their new shirts, they obliged.
Then David tells Scottie “Let’s make a peace sign.”
Please notice what David did with that – HILARIOUS!!!
The rest of the day Christmas Day was a lot of play for the children, good food, good coffee, and JUST BEING TOGETHER.
The guys also took the kiddos outside sledding at one point in the late afternoon.
My favorite kind of day!!!
We enjoyed every second SO much!!
Eliza posed for me the next morning when she wore her new sweatshirt – do you see a theme here with her gifts from us?
She loves animals and loves HER animals most of all!
What a wonderful walk down memory lane!
Birds chirping in my ears and all!
The holidays are always such an anticipated and treasured time.
We try to be very intentional with our calendar, time, and choices during the Christmas season as we hope to keep our focus on the most important things!
As our family continues to grow, this will always be my prayer!
Christmas 2024 – you were amazing and the memories are SWEET!!
Thank you Jesus for the BIGGEST GIFT EVER – your love for us and your sacrifice for us – which is OURS just by asking!!!
I am SO grateful, Lord, for all You have done and continue to do!
Next up is 2025!!!
