Christmas Eve 2010

We do the same things every Christmas Eve for the most part.  And I feel a strong need to document it all.  So, yes there are a ton of photos here.  I have come to a huge realization as to why I do this and I will share more about this personal discovery in a few days.  But anyway, first, we go to Mass in the late afternoon.  We go an hour early (or else you don't get a seat) and they have a children's choir sing and readers do a lesson on the birth of Jesus as we wait for Mass.  Of course, I always require some posed photos before we leave for Mass.

 

No one (inlcuding me) was really in the mood for these photos this year.

This is what my kids actually wanted to do....



For the past few years, Harry likes to take a photo of us too.  He took the one below.



After Mass we go out for a nice dinner.  We began this tradition last year.  Our food allergies and the timing of Mass has made us struggle with Christmas Eve dinner and we might try something new next year.



This year we went to a fine seafood and steak restaurant.  Their speciality is stone crabs (which Dave and Will had).  Harry loves Alaskan King crab and so once (or twice) a year...we let him splurge.  There is so little that my kids can eat that they really look forward to this Christmas Eve meal.  The only problem is that we end up getting home pretty late.


I love this shot of Kate whispering sweet nothings to Dave.

The kids loved the hot lemon towles our waiter brought us between courses....



I love that they learn how to behave in a fine dining atmosphere.

After dinner, we came home and got in our Christmas jammies.  Then, the kids opened one gift.  The boys always get a nutcracker and Kate always gets an ornament.





Kate got a Cinderella ornament since she was so into the princesses this year and since she met Cinderella and had lunch at the castle this year. (Ironically, ever since Disney she has cooled off a bit on the princesses and I am glad;)




Will's nutcracker has a cross because he really grew so much in his faith this year.  He reads the Bible daily and has become very involved in our church youth group.  Will saw this nutcracker back in October and he actually asked for it this year.



Harry got a football nutcracker because he plays football everyday at recess and he organized the Turkey Bowl for our neighborhood and he and Dave have a father-son fantasy football team for the first time this year. Also Harry's football nutcracker has a 10 on his jersey (for the year 2010 I am sure) but Harry is 10 years old this year so it seemed fitting:)



I think they were all very happy!

After that, we needed to finish some cookies we had baked earlier in the day.  They are gluten-free, dairy free chocolate mint.  They were easy and delicious.



Then we read the story of Jesus' birth and Twas the night before Christmas.  This is the first year I needed reading glasses! I must be getting old.  I also know that I am not looking too good in these photos.  I will admit that the car accident is really taking a toll on me.  I have had lots of pain and anxiety.  I am going to the chiropractor and physical therapy.  I have also had cupping and acupuncture.  I think the cupping is really helping the most.  Aside from the neck and back pain, I have had headaches and nausea (from the neck injury..believe it or not).  I am not 100%.




Reading from Luke....







After I read, each of the peanuts read a Christmas passage or poem from the book.

Then all the peanuts went to bed while Dave and I cooked up a storm.
 It was a very late Christmas Eve for us.

I will post about Christmas Day next.