When I was growing-up, Christmas Eve in my house was a big deal. We had so many traditions. There was always a BIG activity planned with the intention to "exhaust us". Swimming, sledding, the local gym...whatever was open and available to us. We would go caroling, come home and have hot chocolate or egg nog (for those who liked it..), sing a few songs, read Luke 2, and then we would get to open one present. It was ALWAYS new P.J.s sometimes hand made by my mother, and other years store bought. This would kick off a long night of anxious effort willing ourselves to fall asleep while contemplating the treasures skillfully wrapped and hiding under the tree...AND we were wearing evidence of the NEW and mysterious packages. I've tried to carry on some of these traditions in my own home. Caroling still doesn't go over big, but I'm hoping that next year I can convince the girls to accompany me to a few homes. The girls DID go sledding with Lori but we're pretty sure she was the one who got tired, as she was the one pulling the sled. There was some hot chocolate.....err...make that Luke-warm. The one tradition that is nostalgic is the new PJs. I buy them, as I don't have the patience or talent to sew them. The kids opened their jammies and, as is tradition, went to put them on right away. Then they came back in and were allowed to explore the value of new traditions....they got to open ONE more present. This year it was a collection of the Disney Princess barbies kindly provided by Grandpa and Lori. They LOVED them right away. Brogan and Dad had fun putting the wrapping paper on their heads. This year Grandpa read "Santa Duck"....a new "must do" every year. It is a funny, charming little book and we highly recommend it be added to your christmas book library. It will be a new tradition for us. So, there you have it......the honoring of Old Traditions and the celebration of New ones. Merry Christmas everyone. We love you and are, of course, thinking of you!
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