We had a full week celebrating Christmas. Thursday night Josh read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. We started at the table with frozen smoothies and ended on the couch. I think Ezra lasted a few chapters before he fell asleep.

Friday the kids decorated the giant gingerbread people. It’s fun watching the kids design their masterpieces. I think Micah most ate his candy and frosting, but he was happy and content!

We chose to have our Christmas Eve Monday and Christmas Day on Tuesday, since the 24th and 25th were too full with church activities. Monday night we had our traditional meal of tacos (a friend sent up hard shells and beans from PP, which made it extra delicious). After dinner we sang carols and drank hot chocolate with Christmas cookies. Then we watched The Muppets Christmas Carol.

Christmas morning we had a special breakfast and then the kids exchanged gifts. I made cinnamon rolls – but they were just an extra snack. Becca worked extra hard on homemade gifts this year. She made the little boys Russian nesting animals. We bought the wooden forms and she painted them. Becca made the other kids I Spy Books – she’s been working weeks on setting up pictures for the books.

The Crowleys came for lunch and the kids’ Christmas play. This play is completely put together by the kids, I don’t have any involvement, except for providing some of the costumes.

We had a lovely lunch of buffalo roast, mashed potatoes, rolls, and salad. In the afternoon we played games and then after supper we gave gifts to the kids. It was a lovely day – everyone was happy and content and that makes Christmas special. We’re thankful for the gift of Jesus to us all…for he shall save his people from their sins. Thanks be the God.