Silent Night, Holy Night

The children are nestled all snug in their beds...at 8:15 on Christmas Eve! We didn't allow James a nap in order to accomplish this amazing feat of parenting. And while we had an emotionally charged evening, I think it worked out for the best.

We did all the usual Christmas Eve traditions that ended up being anything but usual. Christmas dinner was much like any other dinner in our home...Matthias readily eats anything you throw his direction, James runs around the house and occasionally stops by the table for a bite to eat.

After this was baths (which Matthias pooped in) and opening Christmas pajamas/slippers. The spoon was an intricate part of Matthias' evening...we don't know why.




Then we moved on to my dad's Christmas song. Each year he writes a song and sings it for us on Christmas Eve. This year he emailed the words and music, so I sight read and sang while Taylor wrestled Matthias on the floor and James ran around the kitchen opening cupboards. It was a very beautiful song with a wonderful and personal message. Thanks dad!

Taylor and I then sang Christmas hymns...him singing the bass, me alternating between melody and alto (we really need another singer). And the boys ran around the family room. As we came to the traditional last hymn, Silent Night, we made it until "all is calm" before Taylor and I busted out laughing. We are very blessed with two extremely active boys. =]

The nativity came next and was very uplifting and inspiring. We can't decide which was more hilarious...Joseph stealing baby Jesus' binkie or the wise man ghost. Matthias is a crack up. When we told James we were going to do the nativity he said, "I will be a shepherd. I need a blanket." The boy has natural instinct!




After putting out cookies and stockings, regular bed time procedures ensued and now, all is calm.

Merry Christmas!