three christmases in one

 We managed to squeeze three Christmas celebrations into Christmas morning. We are blessed by having both of our families living in town, which makes for a busy holiday, and we wouldn't want it any other way.

Our Christmas celebration started at 6:00 am. We woke the boys up but let Elsa sleep until a bit after 7:00.

Finley set out cookies & milk for Santa on his own. We've never really made that a part of our tradition, but I think he's being exposed to more Christmas books & movies these days. He asked a few questions about how Santa makes it down the chimney & I was unprepared. I gave him a lot of "I don't knows" & "maybe it's magic" answers cause I wasn't sure how much to say. What a strange predicament we parents have gotten ourselves into. I don't want to spoil the magical side of Christmas for him, even though he knows the real reason we celebrate Christmas. I'm not ready for such a big kid. I should probably figure out what to say, cause the straight-up "Is Santa real?" question is coming...sooner, than later, I'd bet. :]

I really like this next series. The boys were really hoping for a new Wii game & they were super excited to receive it from us. :)

 Elsa's turn to open gifts. She's at a really great age where we could probably have done without anything & she wouldn't mind. But she also shows interest in specific toys, animals & books, so it's fun to give her something that relates to what she enjoys. We ended up saving some hand-me-down toys & books to give as Christmas gifts & that worked perfectly. :) I bought a couple new things for her, but she certainly wasn't able to tell the difference. :P

Christmas at the Henry's started at 8:00 am.

 Brian moved down from Alaska earlier in the week! Hooray!

Christmas at the Hecht's started around 11:00 am.

 I love the blur of movement & excitement around the still & steady Elsa. So much fun!

 Kenton drew Erik's name this year for our sibling gift exchange.

 Becca drew Kenton's name.

 Gretchen & I drew each other!

We all went in together on assembling a gift basket for my parents.

It was a full day & we actually ended up back at the Henry's for Christmas dinner & a movie. I was having a hard time staying awake, even though I didn't do much but eat, lounge & visit with family all day. We are so blessed to be able to share the holiday with our families.