❤ Christmas Eve ❤

Oh it is my favorite day of the year... it is magical, holy, blessed and wonderful. 

We headed to Scott's mom's house for a breakfast of bagels in the morning. 

The rest of the day we I took a sampler of cookies out of the freezer for the evening, Scott cooked a wonderful early pre Mass dinner and appetizers for after Mass late at night. There was hustle and bustle as we all got ready for 5:45 Mass and before we knew it, it was here! 

Our Mass was the highlight of the whole night, and I found myself in tears during the homily. 

I snapped this on our way back to the car. I always want to remember how much I love this church. 

Late that night in flannel nightgowns Abigail hung the last of the Christmas cards that arrived and we feasted on baked brie and Christmas bread.

Scott prepared these yummy mocktails called 'snow globes'. The rosemary was frozen in that it had cranberries, ginger ale, and seltzer. So so festive and goo! 

I made dozens and dozens of Christmas cookies throughout the month and froze them. Each night starting on Christmas Eve, I take a sampling out so we can enjoy them. It's such a treat! 

Of course there was tea! 

The last of our advent cantles were lit. I adore how Mary's face is all lit up from the glow of the candles. 

We did something new this year and each opened one gift from each other which was really really fun!

A magical night indeed. 

Christmas Eve

What a delightful, lovely, holy day our Christmas Eve was. The very last photo I snapped that day is my favorite (above). Our beautiful little precious family ~ answer to prayer ~ God's greatest blessing of which I am so grateful. 

Back to our Christmas Eve day... 

Scott's Mom and Aunt join us for a casual morning of presents and some food, conversation, and joy. 

Fun presents, silly presents, meaningful presents, and useful presents. I only captured these but we are very excited about our new cooking set, Radko ornaments (this one means so much to me because Anna was IN China during the CNY year of the dragon) (this one is so beautiful -- I just love these ornaments - they are handmade using the traditional glass blowing technique with intricate designs) 

After, I got baking and made two pies that afternoon ~ pecan, and Tennessee fudge 

This one is Abigail's favorite and it's just not Christmas without this fudgy, chocolate pie! 

We had our traditional Christmas Eve dinner early (4:00!) and headed out to Mass (one of the best parts of Christmas! 

I love these photos of my girls. I've always taken pictures at church before Mass starts. It's always so joyful. 

And then we headed home where we feasted on homemade Christmas cookies and big pot of tea. It was the perfect night. 

Other posts you might enjoy:

2023

2022

2019

2018 part 2

2017

 

Christmas Eve

I posted about the days leading up to Christmas Eve back here and also our lovely Christmas Eve morning in that same post. 

Then we had a relaxing afternoon leading up to Mass. The girls played games and I baked two pies. 

And then it was time to get ready! 

We took a few pictures in the living room before we had to leave. 

Love this little family of mine ❣

The church looked beautiful. 

Scott and Abigail brought up the gifts. 

And to my delight they even let me take pictures of them after Mass. 

We headed home for a simple dinner, A Charlie Brown Christmas, cookies, and off to sleep!