The Smithites (and son-in-laws) were so happy that Santa was so good to us this year! We all put our fun new goodies away and prepared, packed, showered, and dressed for a four hour trip to Jackson. We always spend Christmas Day with my mom's parents. Now that they have gotten older and are not able to make the long trip to Corinth, we travel to spend Christmas Day with them. Kristin and Lee did not make the trip this year. They headed to Jackson, TN to spend Christmas Day with Lee's mom and family.

Farley and Mama posed for a Christmas shot.

Our little family on Christmas

We took two cars because Dustin stayed in Jackson to hunt with my uncle and cousin. I rode with Mama and Daddy, and Russ rode with Dustin. I don't know what Russ and Dustin did, but our vehicle had it's interesting moments.

Mama rode in the back with the food and gifts.

Farley and I rode shotgun.

Daddy drove wearing his new sunglasses bought at the gas station!

We arrived at the Coon residence just in time for an awesome supper! My aunt's sister and family came as well. Between the three families, we had crunchy Romaine salad, hashbrown casserole, green bean bundles, deer wraps, and steaks. I stuffed myself silly!

Aunt Patsy and her dog, Roxie

Clancy and Jack

Daddy, Jack, and the Pickle family finding a spot to eat. Just like Thanksgiving at my house, we are creative on seating arrangements! I love being so close! Nothing like it!

Mama and I found a spot in front of the fireplace.

Cousins

After supper, it was time for more gifts! We all passed out gifts and ripped the paper off! Everyone loved thier gifts!

Cute Southern Belle t-shirt

Mama helped Pops with all his gifts

Uncle Howard, Clancy, and Dustin are ready for the woods!

The guys taking a rest from the madness.

Daddy and Bobby escaping the crowd

Christmas night, Russ couldn't wait to hook up his new TV and Wii. So, Daddy and Russ pulled and tugged and plugged cords for a while before they got it just right!

Great job!

Russ immediately started the Wii...bowling.

I, after learning that my Wii Fit age was 30, began some major workouts! My husband's Wii Fit age is 24, so he married an older woman apparently!

The next morning, before heading back to Corinth, we went by the nursing home to visit Nonnie. Mama helped her open her gifts, labeled them, and put them away for her. Nonnie will be stylin' and profilin'! The cutest one on the hall for sure!

Mama and Nonnie with some of her gifts

Such a wonderful Christmas in Jackson!

Santa Clause Came to Town

YES! Santa still comes to the Smith house! Doesn't he come to yours? If not, maybe you should be a little nicer next year. My sister, brother, and I always slept in the same room upstairs on Christmas Eve for two reasons. Number One - so we would not hear Santa when he put our gifts out. Number Two - simply because we were too excited to go to bed. However, there just isn't enough room for us all now that I am married. Tear! Now, we just text each other in the morning to see who is up and who needs more time. We still gather at the foot of the steps on Christmas morning so that we all enter the living room together. No one goes ahead (...except for that one year I was too lazy to get out of bed. I'm pretty sure that was during my annoying preteen years!).

He came again this year!

To Megan....From Santa

Dustin showing Farley one of his new golf clubs

Russ and I were shocked when we unwrapped our new TV!

Kristin and I love our new matching owl pajamas!

Santa even came to see Farley!

And Dude!

Daddy helped Farley and Dude with their gifts from Santa - treats!

As we were excitedly looking at all our goodies from Santa, we noticed that snow was falling outside! It was snowing on Christmas! Russ was so excited that he ran outside with the new toy Lee bought for all the guys wearing his new North Face jacket from Santa. Of course, the snow didn't last long...but it was still there. Apparently, there was some debate about whether or not we really had snow. I took a picture to show you.

Look closely at the tiny bit of snow on Russ's shoulders and on the deck! You may have to click to enlarge.

Mama was very surprised that Santa remembered her too!

Even Lee had a little stash! He came over later to check it out!

After everyone saw what Santa brought, we all ate a yummy traditional Christmas breakfast - breakfast casserole and garlic cheese grits. We quickly put our things away and began to get ready for our road trip to Jackson. Since we were young, my grandparents have always come to Corinth on Christmas Day. However, Nonnie and Pops aren't able to travel anymore...so we travel to spend Christmas with them. Coon family Christmases are always unpredictable and lots of fun!

We had a very Merry Christmas this year! Thanks Santa!

Christmas Eve with the Smith Family

After lunch, visiting, and gifts with the Johnsons, Russ and I raced home to get ready for our Christmas Eve service at our home church. The Christmas Eve Candlelight Service is always such a special time for us to gather to celebrate and remember the true meaning of Christmas. The reading of the Christmas Story, lighting of the Advent candles, Christmas carols, the Lord's supper, and candlelight singing of Silent Night are staples in our family as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. This baby who changed everything.

After church, our family came home to eat a Christmas Eve dinner. Mama has always cooked a wonderful meal for us on Christmas Eve, and we eat and fellowship together before opening gifts. Rhonda joined us like last year. We always enjoy having her! In a few months she will officially be family anyway!

Mama and Rhonda

While Mama finished the preparations for our delicious meal, I waited by the tree checking out the presents. I just love ribbons and bows!

And, while I anxiously awaited opening gifts, my dear sweet husband stood around doing this of course:

iPhone Scrabble

So Maw Maw joined me near the Christmas tree.

Maw Maw and me

Beginning to be seated for dinner

Soon, Kristin and Lee returned from Lee's grandparents' home where they celebrated Christmas with his dad and the Tull family. As soon as they arrived, Dustin, Russ, and I began separating the gifts. Fun!

Getting ready to open!

Kristin and I always go a "bit" overboard with Christmas gifts. But, it's so much fun to find the perfect gifts for those you love!

This is where the free entertainment begins!

Daddy and his gift from Kristin and Lee

Slippers with jingle bells that do not ring! Ha!

I was very excited about my surprise gift for Russ!

Maw Maw ordered Dustin these slippers that she called "hideous!" Dustin was loving them!

Me, Kristin, and Mama waiting our turn

Kristin and Lee's Smitten from us! Now they can hold hands and stay warm while doing it! Ha!

Wanna closer look?

One of Kristin's many owl-themed gifts from us - an owl doormat.

Oh my goodness! How cute is Farley in his new Snuggie!?

Kristin, Lee, and Rhonda in love with their Apple picture book I made from their engagement party pictures.

Mama gave Rhonda slippers to match hers!

Russ knows me so well!! I LOVE me some Yoohoo!

Mama and I pose with our new Rachel Ray hot/cold bag and casserole carrier from Kristin. This was her first QVC purchase! Initiation complete!

The Night Before Christmas book with a recording device for Daddy to record his voice reading. Special! There will be more on this later in this post.

I still haven't figured this gift out yet! "Santa and Farley" gave this plaque to me! I love it! But, does Santa really come early?

All the boys got Christmas ties....EVEN FARLEY!!!

Russ tied his a little too short! Ha!

Then, Susu and Dendy gave Farley this cute hoodie sweater!

Farley was exhausted from changing his clothes so many times! Or it could be because we opened gifts until 1:00 AM!

My favorite tradition on Christmas Eve is the reading of the Christmas Story and The Night Before Christmas. That is why the recordable version of The Night Before Christmas was such a special gift. Every year for as long as I can remember, my dad cuddled up with all three of us to read these stories. Now that we are older, we take up a little more room, but we still sit close. Although it is a very special tradition that I hope to continue for my children, there are always some very unexpected, humorous moments. Usually involving my brother! Rhonda and Lee stuck around for the reading. Russ and Lee are not able to join in, but grandpuppies are! Ha!

Lee gives this story a "thumbs up!"

Daddy and the Smithites after reading The Night Before Christmas...you're never too old to wear matching Christmas pj's!

Now, it's time to get to bed. Santa has lots to do before morning! So, we all say "Merry Christmas" to all and to all a "Good night!"