Merry Christmas Eve

Every year we go to my in laws for Christmas Eve. We have a nice dinner and open presents- usually pajamas.
I have my own tradition of wearing a Santa hat each year on Christmas Eve. I like to have things fun and festive for Christmas Eve and more serious for Christmas Day if that makes sense.
Part of the fun of Christmas this year was the soda tree my husband made. I thought it turned out great. We were short on cans, so he ended up improvising to get it finished this weekend.



A few nights ago we drove around Draper and admired some amazing  houses and lights. (including a house that looked like a cross between the white house and a hotel) We even saw some deer. We ended up at the Draper temple where they had a beautiful nativity. It was awesome and touched my heart and soul.
We don't make a big deal about Santa, in fact the last few years we asked him to only fill the kids stockings, no big elaborate gifts. Not everyone can afford the extra "Santa tax" and I don't want that to be the focus of Christmas.
I'd like to read a Christmas story tonight or maybe tomorrow morning.
I hate opening presents in a messy house since it just adds to the mess. We have been getting things in order the past week which makes me happy!
We went to church yesterday after a bit of a break. It was nice to go back especially so close to Christmas.  We will remember Christ in Christmas.
Tomorrow we will have a nice Christmas breakfast, either waffles or pancakes with eggs and bacon, cinnamon rolls and egg nog. We will open our presents then off to my side of the family.
Merry Christmas to all!
What are your traditions?

The Christ in Christmas

So touching and true, just take a moment and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas:

Fall and family

I like Fall. I like the cooler weather. Not looking forward to the freezing cold that is around the corner. Kind of exciting that it started snowing today... but not ready for that! I don't really mind snowy/rainy days as long as I'm not out and about in it... which I'm usually not.

But the point of all my rambling? I can't believe next week is November already. I can't believe this Sunday will be November 1st. I'm already looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas. What is better than great food and family? I'm still in the "younger" generation group, so Thanksgiving isn't stressful for me, because I am just in charge of bringing a side dish and/or dessert. So it is rather enjoyable for me. Thanksgiving is spent 80% of the time with John's family. That's just how it's worked out. They are usually our only invite. I'm not complaining... it's good food and good people. My mom usually joins us. My mom and John's mom are friends. (they became friends after we got married) It's kind of weird, but soooo cool!

I'm a dork, that's not our only invite... we are also included in my Stepmom, Kathie's thanksgiving plans. Also good food and people!! Why did I forget to mention that? Hmmm.... getting old? We have been doing the 2 Thanksgiving dinners for a few years now. John's family Thanksgiving is usually around 2:oo PM at a church. We usually catch up with my Kathie's family around 6:30 or so. So grateful to be included and treated like part of the family. Great, great people!!!

Christmas we are all over the place... with John's parents, my Mom and my Dad and Stepmom. We have to split it all up. But I am blessed to have such a big, loving family. That includes everyone- extended family, inlaws, etc. Not a bad bunch!

What about you? Who do you spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with? Do you travel? Stay around town?