Christmas at our house

 So thinking of the very many traditions our family has for Christmas, it really makes this time very exciting.  So we start with the first day of Advent and each child picks out of a hat, a name of their advent angel, and htey sneek around doing thier chores and leaving them notes.  On Christmas Eve they will purchase them a gift at the dollar store to open after dinner. 

We begin the tradition of lighting the advent wreath at dinner, with the prayers and the song "O Come Emmanuel"  Tony sings along too!

I begin decorating ever so slowly.  The greenary comes out, like the green garland around the house, and the nativity scene.  I do put all the statues in, because it gives the children time to reflect what we are preparing for.  For the little ones we act out the story, moving the pieces all around and if little ones touch it, I don't mind, I want them to know baby Jesus.  The basket with hay comes out, empty and the kids know on Christmas morning baby Jesus will be there.  We hang ribbons and stockings, and decorate the outside of the house. 

On the 3rd Sunday of Advent out comes the tree.  We decorate it.  Katelyn is in charge of the angel and always has been.  The kids receive a yearly ornament from the tree and I tape a picture of them on the back so looking through the ornaments each year is such a joy.  We hang lights, bulbs, ornaments, silver garland and silver beads. 

Candy making begins.  Kix candy, fudge, peanut brittle, and cookies.  Outfits are organized, and their program is coming up. 

Usually Christmas Eve we have a nice nap and decent Meatless meal, and go drive to look at lights before midnight Mass.  Christmas day we get up and the kids find baby Jesus in the manger, and he is covered with a blankie Evelyn made a few years ago.  We usually have a nice breakfast, play and take a well deserved nap!  So just a few of the things we do.