On Christmas Eve we decided to keep things fairly traditional and simple, but also had fun re-introducing some old traditions from the Egbert family. Mum and Smurf came to join us for the evening and we started out with a nice dinner of Shrimp, Ham, cheesy potatoes, fruit with fruit dip, a veggie tray, garlic green beans and rolls. Yum! After dinner, we cleaned up and then started in on our Christmas program.
As is tradition on both the Egbert and Harrison side, we read the story of Christs birth. The kids had fun acting act the various parts and Harry got to be Joseph, while Adalynn was Mary, and Adalynn’s baby doll was Jesus. Branson opted to be the Angel that appeared to the Shepherds, and Dawson we think was a Donkey who just jumped from one couch to the other! đ ha.
Branson the Angel pointing to the star in the sky (on our tree) to show the Shepherds where to go. Apparently the shepherds are herding Lions instead of sheep. đ
Dawson the Donkey jumping from couch to couch.
Adam using modern technology to read the story of Christs birth in Luke II.
After reading the story about Christs birth, we lit a candle by our statue of Jesus and then sung lots of Christmas carols about Christ (Silent Night, O little town of Bethlehem, Angels we have heard on High, Away in a Manger, etc), and then we ended out singing time by singing The Happy Birthday song to Christ. I love this tradition from my youth.
Afterwards we had some fun musical numbers by Adam. His parents didn’t know he played the guitar and so he had to show them he could. He played us a few Christmas songs on both his guitar and violin. This may have to become a new tradition that we start! It was fun to hear Adam play!
While we were enjoying our Christmas program we had a special visitor stop by our home! We love how Brother Eliason goes around from house to house each year wishing all the kids a Merry Christmas. What a wonderful tradition he and his beautiful wife Cathy have created. đ (P.S. Don’t you love our hanging Christmas lights over our door?)
One of the old to Mum and Smurf but new to us traditions that we learned about was how the Egbert family used to put on puppet plays every year. Mumsie brought the old puppets and the story and all of us adults were able to put on the play for the kids. Then they too were given a chance to do the puppet play after they saw it done once. The kids loved this and are hoping Grandma & Grandpa will come again next year to do this again with us! đ
Kids turn with the puppets. And not a single clear picture considering the kids never stop moving! đ
Then it was Jammie time! Mumsie always gives all her Grandkids PJ pants for Christmas every year, and in my family my Mom and Dad always gave us Christmas jammies on Christmas Eve. Which means that our kids are extra spoiled and get TWO pairs of new Jammies every year! Nice! They love it, as do we! Just look at those happy smiles!
The kids showing off their Jammie pants from Grandma and Grandpa.
Then it was time to open up Jammies from Mom and Dad. I always try to go with matching feety pajamas. They are just so cute! đ
Ta Da! New Christmas Jammies!
Then after jammies the kids got to go and get one present from under the tree (specified by Mom and Dad) which is always a game we play together Christmas Eve (or a movie we watch). This year it was the game of HEADBANDS where you put cards on your head and have to guess what you are by asking lots of questions. The kids loved it!
Adalynn with her headband on ready to play. Now she just needs a card and to figure out how to ask questions! đ
The final tradition of the night was to set out our Christmas cookies and milk, and of course a carrot for Rudolph. The kids also had fun writing their letters to Santa! Seen below.
I had to sneak this picture in too. I love Adams photo bomb! đ
We end the night by turning out all the lights except the ones on the tree and our Christmas Village and then send the kids off to bed with hugs and kisses, family prayer, and reasons we love them.
We so love Christmas and the magic, joy, and happiness it brings to our lives. How grateful we are for the birth of our Savior and the chance we have to celebrate his life.
