The Santa Claus Letter

Late on Christmas Eve the doorbell rang. When we opened the door there was no one there. We found this instead.



Childhood is magical

Merriest Christmas Eve

It's not over.  Right now they are playing just inches behind me.  Right now there are individual "displays" in the living room and dining room.  (they like to 'display' their presents like a little store)

I let them leave their pile/display of presents for a long long time.  I don't rush little pieces off to bins (sometimes I must admit that I have to fight the urge)

Right now there are bit and pieces of cardboard in all over from boxes seeping open each day.

Right now I have no idea where my car keys are and I don't want to know.

Right now I am pretending that there are no stores and no life beyond these walls.

I don't have any urge to take down the tree (s) (okay, s because there are seven of them) Not because I don't want to do the work but because it is still.  (yes it is) still Christmas.

As long as the Kringle candle is glowing on the glass shelf and there is a bit of a mess.  As long as they go to sleep each night dreaming of what presents they will dive into the next morning.  As long as there are pictures to go through and left over cookies.  As long as there is holiday tea.  As long as I don't remember what day it is this week then it is still  Christmas.

But I love what all of my family and friends do.  Little pictures and texts as the week goes on.  My friend Cindy shopping with her oldest for "something new" for the house now that it's all clean and tidy in there.

And my friend Billie Jo texting me photos of her daughter in Denmark while she's no doubt cozy at home with her family.  (with a candle glowing)

And my friend Kelli (far away) in her home thinking about Christmas's in the past and those in the future, trying to not think about how growing children will change things.

I love it all and am so glad and grateful for this week that we can all do what we love and need to do.

So here goes, a more elegant us.  Us on Christmas Eve.





Mass ~ the church was so beautiful







We were there early so that Abigail could sing. Oh how I love that dress and those curls.



And her tiny red shoes peeking out







The childrens choir sang along with the alto and saprano choir. It is was wonderful.





This Mass is geared for the children.



And Father Tom ready 'On the Day You Were Born' beautifully.





Grandma and Grandpa came.



And when we got home we took a few pictures in our living room before all of the fun Santa stuff.







And then it was on to reindeer food.









And before we put the cookies out there was one more surprise (but I'll save that for tomorrow)



It was a beautiful, beautiful Christmas Eve.

North Pole

~ This was the third year we turned our home into the North Pole.



Not much was different this year. We added a bit to the scavenger hunt. All the way out in the field each child had a lit up snowman to find... but they had to find the 'twin' to the one they found at their place setting.





I have to admit, I wasn't sure I was going to have the North Pole Party this year. (I can't beleive I'm even typing that) But then when it's all set up, and the girls and I have our jammies on, music going... it's magical.



And one day (although it's a looooong way from now) my daughters and their friends will outgrow reindeer bells, reindeer food, a call from Santa, and a story in front of the fire... or maybe they won't. Their mama sure hasn't.

So here is a look at the North Pole party 2015 ~



North Pole 2013 is here

North Pole 2014 is here 

Christmas Eve Eve

I love this time. The time after Christmas Day and before New Years. Days at home filled with cozy. That's were we are right now. If you rang the doorbell I might not answer it because that would mean (a) there really is world out there beyond these walls even though I'm happy to block it all out (b) I have no makeup on.



It was a wonderful Christmas and I have oh so much to catch up on.

This year we changed up a tradition just a tiny bit. We moved our Christmas Eve soup night to Christmas Eve Eve. Best decision ever made. Ever. Just that one switch gave us the happiest, most relaxed Christmas morning I can remember. Parents who actually get some sleep can 'pull off' Christmas morning in a much better way.

So here's our Christmas Eve Eve Soup night.



The grown up have appetizers while the kids eat













I make four soups and have them in crockpots so that everyone can help themselves







And I like to set a pretty dessert table

















While the grownups are eating the kids help themselves to the hot chocolate station and play and play and play.



It really was a sweet night. The excitement in the air was thick and the jingle of bells on my front door made us all happy. Happy Christmas Eve Eve!

Now back to Bing Crosby, Christmas candles, family time, and just being home.