Boy do I have some catching up to do! We had a fantastic Christmas. It was our first Christmas at home with our little family. I was a bit apprehensive about it--not sure I was ready to be the real grown up, but it turned out great. I was insistent upon starting some fun traditions my kids would remember but ones that wouldn't be so hard on me that it would take the fun out of the holiday.
So, here's what we decided, and it couldn't have been better:
On Christmas Eve day we make gingerbread houses. I think I made most of it, but next year I think the kids will help a little more and eat a little less. That night we had the Kanenwishers and the Malones over for a barbecue. We had homemade hamburgers and hot dogs, mashed potatoes, a delicious salad and fruit. Tanya brought a pie for dessert, but we were all too stuffed to eat it.
We decided to have a birthday part for Jesus. After dinner we talked about Jesus' birth and the wise men bringing him presents. Each person decided what they could give to Jesus this year and either wrote it or drew it. I thought they'd be ready for the "fun" part, but we had to tear them away from their papers.
We then broke a pinata, which was a huge hit. Then played the money game ( an Olsen favorite), where everyone chooses a candy bar and attached is an envelope with money in it. After the candy bars are gone and the trading is done, we open our envelopes. The big prize was $5 and it went to Hope--of course the one who could care less, but it was fun.
After that (7:30!! perfect) everyone headed home and we opened the traditional PJs and headed off to bed with visions of toys dancing (or taunting) in our heads.
6 comments:
Great traditions you grown up. You are such a great Mom. Your kids always get to have so much fun. Can you be my mom? I guess you can just be a really fun friend, because that's important too!
How fun! yes, our first christmas as grown ups too! i loved it, making our own traditions! I love their pj's! they look like they had a great day!
Oh, my girls Go to bed at 8pm and sleep till about 9:30 every day! they LOVE to sleep! Because mom loves to sleep too! i know it isn't normal, I AM NOT COMPLAINING! they have done it since they both were one years old! love it!
You guys are the funnest family!! Those are really fun traditions you have started. I bet the kids just LOVED the b-day party for Jesus. Such a creative mom they have.
Cute jammies!!!! Cute boys!!!!!
Do you have to beautiful to live in Arizona, or what?
And you win for cutest Christmas PJs.
Love your Christmas traditions! I'm going to have to try some of those out. I think next year, we'll be on our own as well. It's been so fun to read your last month of posts. wow! Hawaii! That is amazing Brooke! I'm so happy for you. And love your favorite things post. I'll have to try on a pair of those jeans. Happy New Year!
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