Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is my FAVORITE day of the year. Growing up it was always so special at the Clason house - something I will try to continue to do in my own home with my family. Since we stayed in Salt Lake and Emily and Tim were here also - we decided to spend the evening together.

The night began with an absolutely genius idea by Tim - get together a couple of hours before the kids' bedtime, feed them their dinner, open their present from each other, attempt a nativity, and then put them down so the parents could enjoy a leisurely, calm, delicious dinner. Why had I not thought of this?

So the evening went as follows.......

Claire was thrilled beyond words that Christmas is finally here....

Then Harrison and Claire had some evening milk.......

Next Joseph (Harrison) and Mary (Claire) got all dressed up and rode the donkey into Bethlehem.....yes Joseph AND Mary both rode in our version of the story all the while snacking on some sweet potato puffs dressed in a bath towel and little red riding hood cape.........

And as the costumes came off.....Harrison read Claire the Christmas story and she found it a little funny...

Then on to presents - puzzles, a little people nativity, and a bulldozer.....



And finally, Christmas jammies!

After the kids were sound asleep we had a wonderful dinner - ham, mashed potatoes, salad, rolls, and pie - followed by Jimmy Stewart in It's a Wonderful Life. By 10pm we were all exhausted and falling asleep so we headed home for our first Christmas in our new home.

Once Harrison was down, Jordan and I exchanged gifts in front of the tree. I loved it. Neither of us stuck to the budget we had set - but hey, what girl doesn't want one of these?