This year we celebrated on December 18th since Marc had the afternoon off. I went and picked up Eli early from preschool, and we had a full afternoon and evening of fun. I think this has been my favorite Christmas so far with our kids! They have loved learning about the Christmas story this year and anticipated counting down each morning at breakfast on our advent calendar the days to Jesus' birth. It was fun to see them get so excited about why we have reason to celebrate.
Time for presents!
We got some dress-up clothes for Hailey and Eli that they both loved!
Before we opened presents, we had cut out and baked some sugar cookies. Then, after gifts we decorated our cookies. The kids didn't have quite as much interest in this activity as I thought they would. They both ate all the M&Ms that were meant for decorating and then each decorated only ONE cookie before they were ready to get down and play. I think next year I will plan cookie decorating before we open gifts. :) I was left to decorate the other 20 cookies by myself!
After decorating cookies, we enjoyed some yummy pizza and then bundled up to drive and look at Christmas lights. The kids had gotten some new hats and gloves in their stockings and were excited to try them out along with their new PJs.
By the time we got home it was well past bedtime. So, we decided to hold off on the last activity until the following night. Marc told the kids the Christmas story with our Betty Lukens felt board set. They have loved this felt set since we bought it this summer. I still haven't cut out all the pieces because there are so many, but each time we do a story they are so attentive and really seem to absorb the lesson well.
I am thankful for these sweet children that God has blessed us with. They really make holiday time fun. They bring so much joy to our lives and we can only imagine how much fun next year will be with THREE!
