We enjoy our Christmas mornings. We all count dear certain traditions as a family that are done every year. The kids are excited to do each part of the morning and remember it every Christmas--even the food that we annually have at breakfast. I'm a huge fan of traditions, especially on certain days of the year that need to be remembered.
We start off with the kids sitting at the top of the steps, anxiously waiting until Jeff and I have the downstairs ready....lighting the Christmas tree, turning on Christmas music, grabbing the camera, etc. It only takes a few minutes, but I'm quite sure the kids feel like it's much longer than that. We hear shouts of "Now?" from each of their mouths, at least once.
After the agonizingly long wait, the kids come down the stairs while I take pictures. This year, Henry was still sleeping, but the older three did not want to wait for him to wake up on his own. He needed a little help down the steps.
Once down the stairs, the gift giving begins.
It's not all tearing into gifts at the same time, however. The kids take turns, one at a time, going around in a circle until everything is opened.
Henry, who loves his brother's light sabers, swords, etc., received his own (soft) sword.
He was ready to start using it right away. We should probably consider fencing lessons, that include safety regulations, right away.
Kate's favorite gift was her princess shoes--she's very obsessed these days princesses and all their wonderful attire.
We're all big fans of the Phillies and Gracie enjoyed getting her Phillies t-shirt with hopes of wearing it to a game in June. Joost, whose room is already overflowing with legos, received an Avenger lego set which counted as his favorite gift of the morning.
After stockings, the kids receive their treats (usually clementines and mints) found in the clogs under the tree--a tradition in Holland that uses clogs rather than hanging stockings on the mantle.
The rest of the morning includes Christmas breakfast that always contains cinnamon buns and grapefruit, and family worship as we read the story of the coming of Christ to earth.
Merry Christmas to all!
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