Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope that the holidays found you all rested, healthy, and full of peace. Monday evening, Maggie performed in our churches Christmas pagent. She was so excited because she would be performing as an angel, and everyone knows that angels are heaven's singers. She was a beautiful addition to show! Afterward we headed to Papa and Nana's for dinner. Darrel's aunt Dianne and cousins Jason and Robby joined us for dinner. Once dinner was over we all piled into the car (Maggie in her PJs) and took a drive around the neighbor looking at lights. It is always fun seeing the different styles of holiday lights. Once we returned, Maggie was ready for bed! We were all shocked but she was out in less than 10 minutes. I was not far behind her, either.
Morning was one exciting moment after another. I grew up with the tradition of spending Christmas morning with my grandparents. Infact the tradition was simple. Once my sisters and I woke up we would head over to PaPa and Grandmother's house (they lived right behind us). We would usually find them having coffee at the kitchen table waiting for our arrival. Then we would head back to our house for the frenzy of christmas morning presents. Later in the day we we rejoin my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins for Christmas lunch.
Darrel's family introduced me to some new traditions. Over time, Darrel and I have blended the traditions together. Now we have a Family dinner on Christmas Eve, turkey, dressing, ham, and all the trimmings. Usually, our family of three spend the night at Papa and Nana's. In the morning, stockings are found filled to the brim with all kinds of fun treats. After stockings are explored we enjoy breakfast together. After breakfast we take turns opening gifts. From oldest to youngest (Maggie's rule) we each open one gift at a time. It may take us awhile to open our gifts but we are able to enjoy each other's reactions.
Later that day we return home to discover that Santa made one last stop hear at home. We are able to discuss the days events, reflect on our blessings and give thanks to heavenly father. For many years now Darrel and I have stuck to one shopping rule: If three gifts were good enough for Jesus then that is more than enough for us. Maggie receives one "gift of gold" from her list. We leave this one up to Santa. Then her daddy and I give her two more gifts. One "gift of frankensence", a gift that draws her closer to God and one "gift of myrhh", a gift that adorns the body. This shopping method has really helped us remain focused on the truth, remain sane during the shopping crazy, and help Maggie understand what this season is really about.
I shared our tradition with my MOPS group and was told I should write this down. I must say that I can not take credit for this plan. I read about it in a family values book several years ago.
As the season comes to a close I hope that you all have been blessed and that your new year is full of joy!