Celebrating Differently

Our Christmases are always controlled chaos. It is a day we spend running around town visiting all our family. It is really fun, but also very exhausting.

This year we spent most of our day at home. The kids woke up to find Santa had come! They explored their stockings and unwrapped gifts from each other and then we moved on to breakfast. We had cinnamon rolls, orange rolls, pancakes with homemade syrup, Æbleskivers (little round Danish pancakes), orange juice, grape juice, and fresh berries. Yes, the kids were in charge of the menu. Why do you ask?

After breakfast, we headed back into the living room to unwrap more gifts. Gifts from Michael and I, gifts from aunts and uncles; many many gifts.

Aunt Amy sent cards with money. It was happily received.

Aunt Kristal bought the gifts their parents wouldn't.

Like a personal blender for each girl. Grace was a little pleased.

Ethan turned animalistic with his unwrapping.

Sam was a little more controlled but just as happy.

After all the unwrapping the kids had time to play with their gifts, a first for them. Ethan put together the Lego VW Beetle he got from Santa. And installed the light kit his aunt provided. 

We did go for a masked visit with the grandparents in the late afternoon and enjoyed seeing them for the holiday. It was much quieter than it usually is, as it was just us visiting. It was a little lonely, but also a lot less stressful. 

We came home to a festive dinner of crackers and fancy cheeses. This is becoming a favorite meal for holiday occasions. The next day we realized we forgot to set out the British Christmas Crackers (you know those little tubes with jokes, hats, and cheap toys?). We had to break them out for dinner a few days later, when they were finally remembered. They were a fun novelty!

Merry Christmas to all and we'll see you next year!