I love the anticipation of the Holiday! The advent story, the baking and yummy treats to follow, the giving and receiving of gifts, the shopping, Christmas cards, the music, Christmas lights and decorations, Christmas movies, and seeing Jesus through it all! But as we talked about one of our favorite memories from this past year, we all agreed-- it was the "Twelve Days of Christmas".

We have friends whose dad is in Iraq this year, and when we came across this crazy idea we decided to share it with them. It began by shopping for something that would go with each day of the song (is.- can of pears, bag of Dove chocolates, a dancing shoe ornament, ect..). Then each day Rob would leave the gift, with a tag with each day's verse, on their front porch. One evening last week we stopped by their house to pick something up, and their girls couldn't wait to tell us about their 'angel'! We hope they had as much fun as we did!

On Christmas Eve we enjoyed our usual appetizer fest, followed by a visit to 'reveal' our 12th day of Christmas, and then on to the Christmas Eve service. I love singing the carols together! When we arrived home, it was time for dessert -- Birthday cake for Jesus. Each year we also open a family gift on Christmas Eve and enjoy it together. This year is was 2 games - Sequence (after the little girls went to bed) and Cosmic Catch. We had a great time and finally sent everyone to bed in time for Santa to come. Gum ball who still loves Santa, first set out a plate of cookies and a note and 2 pennies for him.:) Remember how fun that was?

We always share the Christmas excitement by sleeping in the same room together, and are awake EARLY Christmas morning; however, with the instructions not to get out of bed before 7am. But you can be assured they are in our room at 7:00AM, no later!! We were actually out of bed at 6:59.:)

The thrill is always the same-- seeing the arrival of baby Jesus under the tree, opening of stockings, reading the Christmas story followed by the completetion of our Advent story, and finally the gifts. I love seeing everyone open their gifts from me. This year we also opened gifts for the twins! We finally shared Christmas brunch together and enjoy playing for the rest of the day (mom/dad even had time for a nap:). Later, we joined Dad's family for Christmas dinner and family gifts. A delightful way to spend the day.

That was our Christmas!