Christmas Eve

After spending the day with the Martins we came home early to have our own Christmas Eve.

We started off by reading the Christmas story from the scriptures. I attempted having the kids act out the story but mostly they wrapped themselves in blankets and acted like ghosts. 

Then we discussed how Jesus was a gift to all of us from a loving Heavenly Father. Then I brought out a gift for the kids to unwrap together. Inside were new Christmas pajamas, a special ornament for each of them, hot cocoa, candy canes, and a new Christmas movie (The Santa Clause with Tim Allen). I wondered how they would like it since it wasn't a toy, and since it is a new tradition I want to start (the Christmas Eve box!), but I couldn't believe how much they loved it. I hope our Christmas Eve box can be as much of a hit every year! They ran to put their ornaments on the tree. They LOVED their new pajamas. Connor couldn't stop talking about how soft and warm they were. We put our cookies and milk out for Santa, set out our stockings, and put the coveted Santa on the advent calendar. Then we got our hot cocoa ready and movie in to share our Christmas Eve all together. We even put our fireplace on to set the mood. I figured the movie was a little old for them and Bella did fall asleep within minutes after her hot cocoa was done Connor watched almost the whole thing intently before succumbing to sleep, asking questions and loving learning about Santa ("Oh so that's how he does it!" "So his elves are kids, I like that." "So his workshop is cool and big!"). 

It was seriously perfect!

And by far my absolute favorite part of the holidays, I'll remember that night forever.