Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

After a season of preparation - lighting our weekly Advent candles, Jesse Tree devotionals, Advent hymns, adoration (and lots of baking!) - it is such a JOY to celebrate Christmas.  

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."  

Luke 2:11-14

Christmas is a big deal!  Our Christmas celebration consists of lots of traditions our kids eagerly anticipate.  Traditions give this holiday more significance and helps to bring our family together creating lasting memories.  There is so much excitement surrounding Christmas!   

"It's the most wonderful time of the year."

Christmas Eve traditional family recipe turkey dinner feast

Christmas Eve Mass at our neighborhood parish 

(with reservations due to Covid restrictions)

Christmas in Yellowstone documentary

Santa Tracker

hanging up stockings and setting out cookies

 

Christmas Morning!

rising early ;)

 unwrapping the first gift of Christmas: Jesus

opening up stocking gifts 

(including one piece of coal  - a reminder that no one is perfect)

breakfast of cinnamon rolls and breakfast casserole

final Jesse Tree ornament hung

gift exchange

meat, cheese, and fruit tray lunch

family games

traditional family recipe ham dinner

Christmas carols

family FaceTime calls 

poker :)

We love celebrating Christmas together at home.  But we also always look forward to visiting with family after the holidays.  Due to the Covid pandemic, our 2020 holiday was a bit different and more isolated.  We missed celebrating Christmas with our extended family!  

 

"Someday soon we all will be together
If the fates allow
Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now."

 

 

 

December Snow - day 2!

 

Sunshine and snow, such a beautiful day for this second of December!  

The kids were motivated to finish school early so they could go outside to enjoy our winter wonderland before it melts away . . . 

Snow!

 

The first day of December, the third day of Advent, was welcomed with the most gorgeous blanket of snow.  Our kids had been feeling especially nostalgic for their former Minnesota home - this early Ohio snowfall was a gift.  

*Alarie's first Snow!