Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year, and 2021's didn't disappoint. We woke up to some light pretty snow in the morning.
Christmas cards with a white snowy background 😍
I got a fruit platter from Edible Arrangements because the one I got for Thanksgiving was so good. This one was good too, although the white chocolate snowman in the center looked more like a ghost than a snowman. Ha ha!
We each open a present on the evening of Christmas Eve, and we open all of the presents from my mom, who spends Christmas Eve evening with us for dinner, scriptures, and presents.
Sam wanted to do chocolate fondue for dessert. It was a great idea. It was delicious, fun, and even nutritious!
After 24 days, the advent candle fulfilled its destiny!
After the boys went to bed, Santa arrived. When they were younger the presents were larger in size and more plenteous (such is the nature of toys and boys). Now that they're older, the presents are smaller (though no less expensive) and don't take up as much space under the tree.
The stockings go on the couch because they're too heavy to hang by the chimney with care after Santa's been there!
I leave the tree lights on all night on Christmas Eve and they stay on for the day on Christmas. I like the symbolism of light and Christ and the true meaning of Christmas, so on they stay.
On Christmas morning, Violet got a big bone that she wanted to bring outside and bury and then dig up and then bury somewhere else and dig up and then bring inside and then bring back out (all. day. long!).
Time for presents! 🎁
How sweet and classic is this scene? I love my boys so much.
John thought the Fortnite calendar I got him was dorky. I guess he was right. 😂
The aftermath, which the boys helped clean up while I cooked our special Christmas breakfast.
Breakfast was pancakes, bacon, fruit salad, and orange juice (for me), egg nog (for John), and milk (for Sam). It was dee-lish!
We had a lovely, peaceful Christmas morning together. Just the way Christmas should be!
A few hours later, I went to my mom's house for presents and Christmas dinner with my family.
Clyde, Adam, and Jennifer
And me 😊
My favorite present was an owl popper that Jennifer got for me. It's a sensory delight! I guess I'm still a kid at heart. 😁
We played some fun and funny games.
In the evening I relaxed and did one of my favorite things to do on Christmas--read by the tree. I read my little heart out for a few hours (punctuated by a small nap or two) and very much enjoyed it.
Violet was still busily engaged with her bone.
It was a lovely Christmas Eve and Christmas.
After such a difficult year, what a blessing and joy this Christmas season was!
