Christmas Eve

Oh what fun Christmas Eve can be. And how chaotic too! Last minute shoppers everywhere, and Daddy was right out there in the midst of it all, nailing down the last few parts of Mommy's Christmas list. It was a crazy bit of hectic shopping, but not too stressful. The time crunch was close, which is always a bother: if only there were a few more hours to Christmas Eve so we can squeeze in everything we can!

Today after shopping, we made some Christmas cookies for Santa in the kitchen, and Madison had a great time doing it. Mommy cut out shapes of Christmas trees, stars and even candy canes, while Daddy and Madison added sprinkles galore to put all sorts of color and flavor on the cookies.

Mmmm...those cookies were tasty!

Soon after that, we went over to Ye-Ye and Nana's house for Christmas Eve. Everyone greeted each other warmly, and there was plenty of food to eat for all. We all held hands and said grace, and then dug in! Lots of dessert there too: chocolates, marzipan, fudge and candies... you can only imagine what the kids were like!

Madison seemed to really enjoy "The Santa Clause 2," as everyone got together and talked. Madison jumped up and down on Ye-Ye and even Uncle Dave - she was really excited tonight! Soon, it was time to open one present each, but before that moment, Ye-Ye opened up the Bible and read to all of us the reason for the season, the story of Jesus' birth. We sat around the living room, quietly listening as Ye-Ye told the story from Luke, Chapter 2.

Then it was time for presents! The stockings for the kids came first, and Madison went into hers just like all the other kids. It was loaded with stuff for her, and she was really starting to like this Christmas thing even more!

The funny thing is that Madison thought the obvious when she was done emptying the stocking: you're supposed to wear these, right? She put that stocking on and marched about the house, and in moments everyone was laughing. Hey, it's a nice stocking. Probably warm, too! Maybe we all should start wearing them on Christmas Eve!

Madison got from Ye-Ye and Nana a copy of Tinkerbell tonight, along with a nice 3-D pop-up book. Everyone exchanged one gift tonight, as we traditionally do each Christmas Eve. Believe me, there's plenty of gifts left for tomorrow when we wake up!

In fact, that's one reason why Mommy and Daddy came home shortly later. Not only was it time for Madison to go to bed, but we had a bit more wrapping to do tonight before we went off to sleep.

We told Madison that tomorrow was the big day, and before going to her room for a long winter's nap, we made sure we had her leave a plate of cookies for Santa.

She was very considerate not to eat any of the cookies left on his plate. We put them down on a table near the Christmas tree, and snuck upstairs to get ready for bed. Madison fell asleep quickly, I hope with visions of sugar plums dancing in her head!

Quickly, Mommy and Daddy set out to wrap the remaining presents for the family. We didn't have to wrap much for Madison though - because Santa's coming pretty soon. In fact, I'd better get off this computer and head to bed as soon as possible. Moments ago, I just looked up the NORAD Santa tracking radar, and was shocked: Santa's been all over the east coast and is currently in Madison, Wisconsin. He's heading south next, and is sure to make a pass by our place.

We'll check on those cookies tomorrow. Only one more sleep 'til Christmas!

NORAD Santa Tracker