Scenes from Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is a big deal in our house. So I decided to give it it's own post. In my family growing up we even opened all our presents on Christmas Eve. In my little family we don't, but we definitely fill the evening up with about a million traditions. It's my favourite night of the year.

After some soccer fun with friends (followed by some vigorous whining to go home as if that would somehow speed the arrival of Christmas morn') we did some baking and some caroling cookie deliveries.

There was also the building of gingerbread houses (it was not the same without you Uncle Marc!)


















And some Gingerbread bubbles (Mrs. Claus and Santa make an early appearance)



Some super over the top excited chillens. (Yes that is 7 year old Gracie with her 11 year old brother on her back. The superhuman strength is bestowed upon all women in our family. The adrenaline helps.)
















Daddy presents the lamb. Granny's delicious recipe, made to perfection.



A tablescape for Shona. As you can tell, I did not get too ambitious in your absence. It was pretty though. Tulips are always pretty.

Let's eat! Our traditional Christmas Eve feast. Lamb, roast potatoes, baby peas and Greek salad. Ahhhh perfection.
And of course the sparklyLet us never forget the sparkly in the sugar rimmed glasses.



In keeping with tradition we opened one present and in keeping with the South African tradition theme it was our box from South Africa.


Fifa Gear! Hooray! 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa. If we can't be there, we will wear the gear. With much pride. And joy.



Manic model



Happy daddy


Gangsta models


Thank you, thank you Granny and Grandpa! (And Uncle Seth and Aunt Christina for wrapping up all the details :) We love, love, love it all.



Christmas devotional, carols and cuddle time


Tracking Santa via Norad with not one but two lap-tops. We take no chances.












Daddy narrates the Night Before Christmas. It never fails to enthrall them. Surprisingly. Since we all know how it ends.


Our lovely tree! I am not ready to take it down yet. Christmas came and went far too quickly this year.
The sprinkling of reindeer food. Apparently, adrenaline protects you from the cold too. No coat nor hat for our snow princess. They were out there a while. Doing a very thorough job. (Richters, they sprinkled some in your yard too, just to make sure Rudolph found you.)
The stockings were hung with care (Gracie added one at the last minute for the rabbit-who got a pedi-paw manicure set and the fish-who got some Michigan beach pebbles for his bowl), the milk and cookies were lovingly laid out for Santa, carrots for the reindeer.... and all the efforts well rewarded:



And to all a good night (eventually). Gracie got up about 30 times.

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