Wow, it is past time for me to do our big Christmas recap. This year we tried to scale down the number of events we attended, and I think it helped us not feel quite as crazy. The kids and I did go to the Washington DC temple to see the lights and it was really nice, although incredibly crowded. We didn't wait in line to see a performance or the Nativity displays, maybe next year when the kids are a little older and more patient..
Grandma Carol came over and made gingerbread houses with the kids. She had preassembled the houses and brought way more candy than would ever fit on a house, the kids were in heaven. Freya was the self proclaimed taste tester of candy. The kids picked the houses over the rest of the month.
Dad read the Treasures of Christmas book that Grandma Carol made us as a wedding gift. Continuing a tradition from Dave's childhood. I love this shot of them all together.
Christmas Eve was spent at the cousins. The kids reenacted the nativity, we sang carols, and a few presents were opened. It was magical.
Christmas day started with the Stockings. Then there was present opening with two breaks, one for our traditional Ebleskiver breakfast, a tradition from my Grandma High, and another break to jump on the shipping air pockets. Lots of popping noises and a good way to break up the opening.
Hilde also spent a few days putting together a puzzle.
And sugar cookies were made and decorated.
Hilde also had a choral concert where she was an elf. She did a fantastic job.
Here was our list of activities for this year:
- Freya’s Birthday! Everyone gets an advent calendar.
- Open present from Mommy.
- Put together Christmas puzzle.
- Read Snowmen at Christmas
- Set up the Nativity Set
- Watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
- Make and Decorate Sugar Cookies
- Go and see the Christmas lights at the Temple
- Make a construction paper Christmas Tree and decorate it
- Put together a Christmas Craft
- Trip to Dollar Tree for kids to buy presents for each other
- Drive through Bull Run Festival of Lights
- The kiddoes go to Target to buy small Christmas presents for teachers
- Read a Christmas Story
- Watch Charlie Brown Christmas
- Paint a Christmas picture
- Drink hot chocolate stirred with a minty candy cane
- Watch Frosty the Snowman
- Wrap presents for teachers and make cards for them
- Deliver presents to teachers
- Turn the fireplace on and sing Christmas songs
- Watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and make candy cane reindeers
- Make Christmas cookies and treats for Christmas Eve
- Celebrate Christmas Eve with our cousins and grandparents. Read the Treasures of Christmas and the Nativity story in the bible.
- CHRISTMAS! Time to open presents, show our love for each other and have Ebelskivers for breakfast!
Overall, I would say that it was a great success. Next year the kids really want to do a Christmas book advent where every day you unwrap a book about Christmas and read it together as a family. I guess I am now on the hunt for some good books!
