Also known as the Christmas where I took terrible photos. Bear with me, because we had a great time despite the blur and grain.
I had grand plans to blog yesterday, but I seriously never moved from one spot. It was the best day ever, but starting today I have to be a little more productive. Notice I said little.
On Christmas Eve, we celebrate with Josh’s parents and his brother’s family. It is very laid back, so we wore pajamas and brought all of our favorite breakfast foods. The kids were ready to open gifts from the moment we arrived, so as soon as we could scarf down breakfast, it was time to rip into gifts! They are completely and totally spoiled and got all of the fun interactive gifts that we refuse to buy. Isn’t that what grandparents are for?!
Ella’s big gifts were grey Uggs and an Easy Bake Oven (the only two things she asked for), while Sophie scored a bead machine and slime lab (both things that are typical Sophie!).
The girls spent most of the afternoon outside while we all played Apples to Apples. I had never played before and it was hilarious. The biggest girls came in later in the day and joined us for a few hands — their answers were always hilarious.
Of course, no celebration is complete without some family photos. Nana and Grandpa put their tacky Christmas shirts back on for a photo with the grandkids. Seriously, could that shirt be any funnier?!
After celebrating for most of the morning, we ran home for a nap. I doubt the girls ever laid down — there were too many new toys to play with — but Josh and I logged at least two hours under an electric blanket and it was AMAZING. We were both exhausted after cooking and celebrating all morning, because we’re old.
For the last several years, we’ve headed out on Christmas Eve to look at holiday lights. Now that we attend Christmas services earlier in the week, we don’t really have plans for the evening. We usually just cruise local neighborhoods, but this year we wanted to do something a little different.
We streamed a Christmas movie in the car for them, because we knew an hour drive would be too much to ask when they were already overly excited. Neither of them had ever seen The Santa Clause and they loved it! We ran through the drive-thru at Starbucks for the largest hot chocolates available and set out on an adventure!
Of course, we tracked Santa the entire time we were gone! This year, we drove out to the Birmingham Race Course for a drive-through light display. It was so fun because it’s set to a local radio station and the lights dance in time with the music! You are barely moving, so we opened the sunroom and let the girls stand up to see (yes, we are those people). It was a huge hit and nobody even complained about the drive or the wait!
Ella thinks we have to prepare a taco bar for dinner, so I threw chicken in the crockpot before we left for the afternoon. When we got home, Josh inflated an air mattress in our living room and we ate tacos and snacks while we watched A Christmas Story.
As soon as it was over, we fixed Santa a plate of Gran’s most delicious cookies and a mug full of milk. We tucked the girls into bed, UPSTAIRS, and began our work.
I love that our Christmas Eve has taken a decidedly unhurried and relaxed feel over the last several years. It is so nice to spend the day in our pajamas and soak in the last few hours of excitement before the big day. We had such a great weekend and enjoyed tweaking our traditions to fit our new surroundings.
I’ll be back tomorrow with a recap of the big day!
