Solo Christmas

This year is our first year to be on our own for Christmas and I have to say, it has been wonderful. Last night we had "animal food"—pigs in a blanket, ants on a long, carrot sticks—and read lovely poems and stories about Christmas. We read the story of Wenceslas, The Spider's Web, and The Shepherd's Tale; then we sang our favorite carols before letting them open one present (PJs!) and then piled the kids into Sabrina's room to read 'Twas the night before Christmas and Christmas in the Stable. (All the kids sleep in her room because Santa comes through the boys' windows!) I think this is their favorite Christmas eve tradition.

This morning we had hot chocolate and read Luke 2 and Matthew 2 before opening our stockings and Christmas crackers with jokes. Then ate yummy cinnamon rolls before opening the rest of the gifts. We've never been able to open things at such a leisurely pace; the kids could actually see their presents! It was great. Then they went into see what Santa got them which was also so exciting. The boys got the Batcave; Sabrina, a stroller, high chair, and playpen for her dolls. We had our breakfast strata and played every game they got and read all the books and we've just played and played. We did watch a Charlie Brown Christmas. While we were watching Stuart's epiphany:"Mom! It's Christmas and we're watching a Christmas movie!" He's so clever!

Everyone is now napping and lasagna is ready to go in the oven and canolli are ready to be filled. Such a happy Christmas.