Christmas Eve with the Johnsons

Russ and I have been very blessed that our families' Christmas traditions and gatherings have never interfered with each other. The Johnson family decided after Russ and I were married to start opening gifts together on Christmas Eve. So, we spend the day together visiting, eating lunch, and opening gifts. It is always such fun!

I, for one, loved this idea because I LOVE watching everyone open gifts. Especially our nieces and nephews. They get so excited about each gift and cannot wait to tear into the packaging to wear, use, or play with them all. The children love to look through all the gifts. As long as there is "no peeking" under the wrapping!

Russ and I arrived late...around 12. I let Russ sleep in after working all week. We enjoyed talking with his sister, brother, and their families. We also had a few other visitors stop by. I took a few snapshots of some of them. I love how traditions and Christmas bring families all together year after year.

Russ and his sista

Season and me

Jenny and Stacee

Ryan and Russ

While the adults enjoyed the conversation in the kitchen, the younger ones managed to wedge themselves right in the middle of all the gifts looking for their own! So funny!

Sam and Leah

Another fun thing about Christmas Eve with the Johnsons is that this was also Russ's mom's birthday. We always try to make it special and separate from the Christmas festivities as best we can. I can understand that completely, having my own December birthday. Don't wrap birthday gifts in Christmas wrapping. Ever! And, to that I must confess that Russ wrapped his mom's gift in Christmas paper. So sorry, Jan!

The coconut birthday cake and candle

Singing "Happy Birthday" to the birthday girl

The birthday girl and her babies

Opening her birthday gifts

The children waiting patiently...while, I'm sure, leaping with excitement on the inside. They just couldn't wait to open their gifts.

Leah, Grace, Sam, and Julie

Russ's mom thanked everyone for her birthday celebration, and the Christmas excitement began!

Russ's parents

Since there are so many of us, we let the children open their gifts first. The adults open theirs after all the children have left the room to play with their new goodies. The older kids passed out gifts, and the unwrapping and ripping and squealing started!

Sam asking, "What are these battewies for?"

Roan with one of my favorite bows

Everyone tearing into the gifts

Olivia MADE this shawl for Grace! SO cute!

Russ helping Sam figure out his new Buzz Lightyear walkie talkies.

Olivia's new bracelet

Will and Elle with their throw Olivia or Julie made

Jeff and Jimmy watching it all unfold

Seth waiting patiently

Whew! The children opened their gifts and were ready to play and admire each one. They moved to other rooms, and the adults began opening their surprises at our own pace. We always enjoy talking about our goodies as we open each one. I just love it!

Pop helping Sam set up one of his toys in the other room

Farley gave Pop a LONG fly swatter since he always had trouble reaching those flies...and Farley when he was in trouble! Ha!

I love my Seaside shirt from Jimmy and Roan!

And, how cute is this owl apron Julie made for me in my favorite colors?!

Grace and Leah immediately put on their matching shirts from Uncle Russ and Aunt Megan.

After opening our fun gifts, we enjoyed a leisure afternoon full of fun, laughter, and more food! Roan and I, in particular, brought in the entire tray of dip and Wheat Thins to eat on. And when the Wheat Thins ran out, we asked for another box! Now, she'll go run a marathon while I watch Christmas movies on television! Ha!

Yummy!

And no family gathering at the Johnsons' is complete without a family photo!

Johnson family

We all know that Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus, born in a manger full of hay. A perfect man, born in a stable. A Savior, who would become the Lamb of God, and save us from our sin. God gave the ultimate gift. The gift of His one and only Son so that we may have life with Him for eternity. He gave all!

I suppose that is why I think giving is such a huge part of Christmas. It's not all about the material things and the money and the wrapping. It's about giving to others. Showing love as God showed His love to us. Thinking of others, and trying to make their lives a little brighter this Christmas season. A reminder that someone was thinking of them. No matter how cliche this sounds, it truly is better to GIVE rather than receive. I always overdo it at Christmas (according to others), but I absolutely do it because I find joy in finding the perfect gift and giving them to others. It doesn't matter if it is handmade, from the dollar store, or bought at a fancy department store. It's the gift. The thought that I love! And, for me, it is speaking my love language!

Giving to this family is one way I show them how much I love, appreciate, and think of them. It is my way. Not the only way. So, as you may see lots of gifts wrapped in bright paper with pretty bows, just know that we are giving to each other because we thought of each other. Not because of the materialistic nature that Christmas can sometimes become.

The thought and giving to others is one of the things that I love about this time of year! How did you give to others this year?