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 RhondaWhile 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 ScrabbleSo Maw Maw joined me near the Christmas tree.
Maw Maw and me
Beginning to be seated for dinnerSoon, 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!"
2 comments:
Fun!!! Glad you had such a good Christmas! Happy New Year!
i love the casserole thingy and holder.
looks like a fun night!
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