Christmas Eve Traditions...

Lighting the Candle

I know that I have blogged about this tradition before, but I guess that is because I love it so much. Every day of the Christmas season, we light an advent candle. While it burns, we sing songs and read Christmas books. I love getting to gather together each night for this extra special family time. Parker quickly caught on to the fun of it and has asked to do the candle on several nights since Christmas. We might not light the candle each night anymore, but we still enjoy singing some of his favorite songs and reading books. This season, Parker especially loved helping his Daddy light the candle and blow it out. I always have to laugh at the things that he picks up on - my favorite with the candle is that he now always waves his hand over the candle after blowing it out (even if there isn't any smoke). That's what his Daddy does - so it is a must! Here is our last candle lighting of the season...

Opening a Present (book & pajamas!)

Every year for Christmas growing up we always got a new pair of pajamas. (I know that this is a tradition that many people share!) When Rich and I got married, we added to this tradition by getting a new Christmas book. It is a perfect tradition because I love books and love my ever growing Christmas collection. Parker was very excited to open his first present. Surprisingly, he had been patient all season long even though there were presents under the tree most of December. So, when he found out he actually got to open one - he was delighted. After opening his, he insisted on helping Mommy and Daddy. He quickly caught on to the fact that there were pajamas in each present. By the time Rich opened his present, Parker announced that they were pajamas before he even opened up the box.

Hanging up the Stockings
It may not be the 14 stockings hanging on the fireplace from last year...but we managed to hang our 3 stockings on our overpass between our Kitchen and front room.

We ended the night by leaving a treat for Santa, reading my Dad's Christmas letter, singing songs, & reading our new Christmas books. With everything ready, we now awaited Santa's visit!