Christmas Day

or should I say, Winter Wonderland?  

It was GLORIOUS waking up to a scene straight out of a Christmas card. . . what a beautiful day the Lord blessed us with!

Cole awoke early (well, 7:45. . . early for him these days) and Michael kept him occupied in his room while I got the video camera ready.  We couldn't miss his sweet expressions as he ran into the living room to see all of Santa's goodies.

Heading straight for the big one

His new wooden easel (which he's enjoyed non-stop these past few days. . .)

We hear that Santa loves IKEA and got it for a STEAL!

So cozy in his new outer space sleeping bag

A CD full of songs using his name - it's so cute!

Clothes and M&M headphones

Stocking time!

Mom and Dad's turn. . .

After opening presents, I had planned to cook us a yummy breakfast of biscuits, sausage, bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, and pancakes; BUT, since I was up the entire night before with an upset stomach (evidently, Cade isn't a fan of chili these days), Michael fixed a simplified version. . . which was delicious none the less.

Upon entering the kitchen for breakfast, Cole noticed a letter that Santa had left for him.

He was shocked and so excited!

After breakfast it was a morning of reading the Word, lounging in pjs, playing with new toys, and cherishing moments as a family of three.  I have a feeling that next year may be a little different with a five year old and an eight month old :)  Can't wait!

Around noon, we headed to my grandmother's home for a semi-traditional meal.  I say semi, because in years past, we've always done breakfast/brunch.  Since Kyle and Laura now spend Christmas morning with her family, we've decided to make lunch our special meal together.  Potato soup, sandwiches, shrimp, dips, and other goodies with another batch of presents rounded out our afternoon.

The past few years, we've also begun the Christmas Cracker tradition.  Little musical instruments, jokes, yo-yos, and colorful crowns were our special prizes hidden inside.

Laura, Gigi, myself, and Mom G sporting our crowns. . . 

It was nearing nap time (for all of us), so we made the long trek next door to my parent's home where we would spend the evening.  Pizza and wings were on the menu and we later enjoyed opening up our gifts to one another.

Daddy's surprise gift from Mommy

Laura's laptop surprise

Cole's favorite. . . his long-awaited V-Reader  

Because of the impending weather, we all decided to spend the night. . . seven of us plus three dogs made for a fun evening :)  Games and a movie were the agenda - what a wonderful Christmas!  

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful, relaxing Christmas this year celebrating our Savior's birth with family.  And yes. . . you heard me right. . . relaxing.  I refuse to let stress or the 'hustle and bustle' of the season take center stage - especially when the precious holiday moments seem to pass so quickly.  It seems that we plan for months with present buying, gift wrapping, decorating, baking, parties, etc., and then, in a blink of an eye, it's over and routine activities ensue.

I must say, part of this relaxation comes from the blessing of having all our family close by. Our furthest trek is to Chattanooga and that usually takes place after the 'formal' holiday has ended.  We've never had to rush here, rush there, leave this family gathering early to head to the next one. . .it's so nice to just sit and savor the meaning and joy of the season.

Christmas Eve began with a yummy breakfast (not to mention that Cole slept until 9:00!), cookie making for Santa, and Happy Birthday Jesus cupcakes.

We then followed suit with our "What God Wants For Christmas" tradition with Cole.  It's a great way to share the meaning of Christmas with little ones - ending with what God wants most this Christmas. . . YOU!

While Cole napped, Michael and I watched White Christmas and began to get ready for Christmas festivities with my family that evening.

Around 5:00, we headed to my aunt's home for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner - soup bar (this year was vegetable beef stew and chili w/ fixins), veggie tray, bread/cheese/grape tray, and country ham w/biscuits.  Add the SLEW of desserts w/ boiled custard and we were stuffed!

Now that he is reading, Cole enjoyed passing out all the presents this year.  He opened first (can't keep the little one waiting), and then we followed per our tradition - one family member at a time.  I love this!  We really get to see what every one receives and it makes the fun last just a little bit longer :)

While looking at Christmas lights on our way home, the snow began to fall with some of the largest flakes I can remember.  It was beautiful!  Cole was in awe as were we - a great reminder that, because of Jesus, we too can be washed whiter than snow.

Once home, it was time to prepare for Santa's arrival.  Fruit punch (Cole's request) and cookies were laid out along with a letter that Cole dictated and I wrote.

Reindeer dust and food were sprinkled on the front lawn so Rudolph and the others could have a sparkly path to land and receive a much needed energy boost.  

I bought this little 'kit' at a craft fair last year.  It reads. . .

This little pack is special

It holds all the things you need

To make sure Santa visits and

Leaves our gifts on Christmas Eve.

The reindeer dust you sprinkle

On the path outside at night

Then Rudolph will know just where to land

Guided by its sparkling light.

After you're bathed and read to,

Lay down your sleepy head

Then blow this Santa whistle

Before you go to bed.

The noise will then alert him 

To let him know it's time to call

He'll make his way to your home

And leave presents for one and all.

(Cole LOVED it!)

  

Buddy, our funny elf, was bid farewell - we can't wait for his arrival again next year! 

After opening our traditional Christmas Eve jammies, Cole fell asleep the minute his head hit the pillow with Michael and I close behind.  It was a perfect day!