All is calm. All is bright. After a whirlwind Christmas season, the day we have been waiting for has finally arrived! If you're like me, you have probably spent the days since the day after Thanksgiving rushing around, cleaning your home, buying and wrapping gifts, caring for your family, and maybe even nursing a cold that just wouldn't go away. Yes, oh, yes- what a busy season!
I love Christmas Day- it's a busy day for us, essentially having three Christmas celebrations in one short day. I wake up early in the morning, so excited to get the rooms of our home ready, just perfect for my husband and kids. Not a stray sock or toy in sight, the Christmas tree, and garlands aglow. When my children wake up, they come rushing into the living room, their eyes so wide with anticipation, as they look to see what Santa brought, and rifle through presents from mommy and daddy.
As much as we enjoy Christmas Day, the main event for me happens on Christmas Eve. All of my favorites come on December 24th, a day just as busy, ending in a night, ever holy.
Our day begins with brunch, mid-morning. We take a little time out of a busy day to meet up with my bestie and her husband, who are visiting from GA. Being able to see her and share laughs is such a gift to me. From there, we head home to finish any cooking or baking, and last minute wrapping.
Late afternoon, we head to my husband's grandparents' house, to meet up with our extended family (on his side). The tradition of spending Christmas Eve with Sacha's family began twenty years ago, when my family had first moved to town, and his grandparents invited us all to join them for dinner before our candlelight service at our church. This was long before my husband and I were romantically involved, and it is such a special tradition for us.
From there, we all head to church. Most all of us are involved in our Candlelight Christmas Eve service in some way, whether we sing a solo, play with the brass group, sing with the choir, or if you're like my dad- direct the music. After I sing, I sit with my family, and enjoy the rest of the service... kids squirming, yawning, holding little hands. My favorite part is when the lights go down, and we all share a flame to light our candles. We raise them high as we sing 'Silent Night,' and each and every year, this moment just gets me all emotional. I look around at an over-filled church, families together, shining the light of Christ on the holiest of nights, singing to our newborn King. What a special night.
We usually celebrate a successful Christmas Eve service with a little after party, and then take the kids home to tuck them into bed. It's a late night, and the next day, we'll have an early morning.
It's such a busy, whirlwind 48 hours for us, but I don't think we'd know what to do with ourselves if it were any different. We love God, we love our family and combining the two in and around our beautiful church, and the cozy homes we're blessed with just make our season so much brighter.
I hope and pray that you are able to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas with those you hold near and dear to your heart. At the end of the day- there's no greater gift.
Merry Christmas to all!
I love Christmas Day- it's a busy day for us, essentially having three Christmas celebrations in one short day. I wake up early in the morning, so excited to get the rooms of our home ready, just perfect for my husband and kids. Not a stray sock or toy in sight, the Christmas tree, and garlands aglow. When my children wake up, they come rushing into the living room, their eyes so wide with anticipation, as they look to see what Santa brought, and rifle through presents from mommy and daddy.
As much as we enjoy Christmas Day, the main event for me happens on Christmas Eve. All of my favorites come on December 24th, a day just as busy, ending in a night, ever holy.
Our day begins with brunch, mid-morning. We take a little time out of a busy day to meet up with my bestie and her husband, who are visiting from GA. Being able to see her and share laughs is such a gift to me. From there, we head home to finish any cooking or baking, and last minute wrapping.
Late afternoon, we head to my husband's grandparents' house, to meet up with our extended family (on his side). The tradition of spending Christmas Eve with Sacha's family began twenty years ago, when my family had first moved to town, and his grandparents invited us all to join them for dinner before our candlelight service at our church. This was long before my husband and I were romantically involved, and it is such a special tradition for us.
From there, we all head to church. Most all of us are involved in our Candlelight Christmas Eve service in some way, whether we sing a solo, play with the brass group, sing with the choir, or if you're like my dad- direct the music. After I sing, I sit with my family, and enjoy the rest of the service... kids squirming, yawning, holding little hands. My favorite part is when the lights go down, and we all share a flame to light our candles. We raise them high as we sing 'Silent Night,' and each and every year, this moment just gets me all emotional. I look around at an over-filled church, families together, shining the light of Christ on the holiest of nights, singing to our newborn King. What a special night.
We usually celebrate a successful Christmas Eve service with a little after party, and then take the kids home to tuck them into bed. It's a late night, and the next day, we'll have an early morning.
It's such a busy, whirlwind 48 hours for us, but I don't think we'd know what to do with ourselves if it were any different. We love God, we love our family and combining the two in and around our beautiful church, and the cozy homes we're blessed with just make our season so much brighter.
I hope and pray that you are able to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas with those you hold near and dear to your heart. At the end of the day- there's no greater gift.
Merry Christmas to all!
Beautiful photos. I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas!
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