There is no competition in our house on what holiday is everyone’s favorite – it is definitely Christmas!! I think what makes it a favorite is that we have more traditions for this holiday than any other, and that’s where most memories are made! I love traditions!
– Christmas Eve
We always have our big Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve. It is usually roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes, and the like. This year was no different, although the kids took more responsibility in dinner this year.
Boys Preparing the Meat
Dinner was delicious . . . and we love that we can add English poppers to our traditions!
It always fun to start dinner off with a ‘treat’ and then get to wear the crowns and take turns telling the jokes found in the poppers.
After dinner, we acted out the Nativity story from the scriptures. We got smart this year and drew names for each part so it was ‘fair’ and no feelings were hurt. Even though it’s a quite spiritual story, humor always seems to creep in and catch the others off-guard.
We realized we still have some work to do on our Christmas Eve Nativity as we didn’t even realize we forgot costumes until we were done and taking pictures! Thank goodness for our ‘popper’ crowns and random props grabbed as we went!
As we finished up the spiritual part of our night, what did we hear outside? Carolers! What better way to end the night?! It really was a treat that the Tingey family came from the other side of London to sing to us. We love their family!
Tingey Family
Before going to bed, we always have one present that we open. This year, everyone got . . .
. . . slipper socks!! Chris gave me a bathrobe and I gave him a hot water bottle! Notice a theme?! Just trying to stay warm in our cold and drafty British home!
Last event for the night – leaving a note and treats for Santa (and some fruit for Rudolph).
– Christmas Day
Christmas Day came very early as we didn’t get to bed until 2:00 a.m. since some kids (*Caleb*) were so excited they couldn’t sleep. Because we had church later in the morning, we had everyone get completely ready for church before heading downstairs to see if Santa came. Talk about torture! But, I think it was worth the wait.
Santa Gifts
The kids opened their stocking gifts and their big one from Santa. Caleb even found some time to play with his electric kit before breakfast.
Christmas breakfast isn’t the same without Grandma’s Sticky Buns. LOVE them!
We had a great hour’s worth of church with talks and music. Then we all came home together (a great big treat!) to unwrap some gifts (of course, some reverted back to their pajamas just for the effect).
Some of the highlights for us this year:
Cami’s American Girl doll –
Kit
Hannah’s sewing machine –
Our Crafty One
Caleb’s gym backpack –
Emma’s American sweets –
There were some tears . . .
. . . but it was from pure excitement for American treats!
Chris & Becca’s picture book –
Pictures of our Engagement & Wedding
We had such a great, relaxing Christmas! It was great to be together at home with just our little family. However, we did miss our extended family, but it was fun to hear from them how their Christmases went as well. It was great to hear from my parents how well they liked their Christmas gift that my sister, Helen, worked so hard on for all of us.
Leave a Comment