Christmas Eve

My family traditionally celebrates Christmas on Christmas Eve.  This year I was off on the 23rd, so we headed to the ranch after Jason got off work.  The next morning, my family of 5 plus mom and dad headed over to Kristy and John's house to enjoy some family time and open gifts.  The kids always have so much fun together.  Carson, Kennedi, and Chayse are a trio...and I am sure Cade will make it a quartet very soon! We enjoyed a great lunch and then opened presents.  Everyone got so many nice things!  We are truly blessed with a wonderful family!

I must say, though, I was a little concerned by my children's behavior.  Cade was much more fussy than usual, but I attribute most of that to him not feeling well. I am not sure if he is teething or has a bug, either way, a fussy baby can be a little stressful in a group setting.  Carson was good, but wasn't quite as grateful as I would have hoped.  And, Kennedi has been going through a rough time, I guess most would call the terrible two's.

On the drive home, Jason and I decided that we really needed to buckle down and teach the kids the true spirit of Christmas.  We go to church often and do what we can to teach  them the Reason for the season, but I just didn't feel like they were getting it today.  We are very fortunate that we are able to give our children everything they need and want.  However, that does not mean that they shouldn't be grateful.  So, how do you teach a 5 year old, almost 3 year old, and almost 1 year old, that Christmas is all about the birth of our Lord and Saviour - not a man in a red suit.  How do we teach these precious babies that not everyone is as fortunate as we are?  How do we teach them that giving is better than receiving?

Well, we did a lot of talking Christmas Eve night - all 5 of us.  After dinner, we sat on the couch and read 3 books about the spirit of Christmas.  Then, we took baths and read 2 more books in front of the Christmas tree, one of which was "The First Christmas".  Carson and Kennedi were starting to understand what we were trying to say.  Just before bed, Jason had each of the kids pick a present that was wrapped and under the tree.  They put the present on a nearby chair and left a note for Santa to take it with him to another child that might not have as much as they do.  It was a start...

Carson and Chayse enjoying lunch.

Cade and Daddy

Kristy and Nana (with Kennedi in the background)

Cade in his new rocking chair

Carson, Kennedi, and Chayse watching a Christmas movie

Carson with one of his many nice gifts

Cade opening gifts - it is his first Christmas!

Kennedi LOVED her new raincoat!

Chayse and Kristy

And, we ended the evening by putting out cookies and milk for Santa!