We partook of the packed Christmas Eve service with our whole family
taking up seats on either side and in front of us. My heart nearly bursting,
I thought of how the last time this was so, was ten years ago . . .
eight in number . . . and now, sitting together we were sixteen.
I treasure these kind of moments when they happen.
The evening was all I dared dream of . . . kids enjoying their chicken strips with mac and cheese.
We assigned a gift opening chair. Whose ever turn it was to open their gift got to sit on that chair so that everyone could see. The kids not opening still had a hard time not crowding in to be the first to see . . .
taking up seats on either side and in front of us. My heart nearly bursting,
I thought of how the last time this was so, was ten years ago . . .
eight in number . . . and now, sitting together we were sixteen.
I treasure these kind of moments when they happen.
The evening was all I dared dream of . . . kids enjoying their chicken strips with mac and cheese.
We assigned a gift opening chair. Whose ever turn it was to open their gift got to sit on that chair so that everyone could see. The kids not opening still had a hard time not crowding in to be the first to see . . .
It helped when Papa became the next best seat to sit on.
With new pajamas it was a treat to get ready for bed.
And while the little ones enjoyed their gifts, we were able to have our adult dinner together . . . even with co-operation for a photo or two.
After our dinner the babes got put in pack and plays and the older ones cuddled up with an array of old blankets and pillows to watch a new video.
Oh.. and while Veggie Tales went on. . .
the adults opened gifts.
It was a Christmas Eve I will cherish and remember for a long time to come.
Cousins staying up late . . . excited to camp out at Papa and Grammy's . . .
our own kids enjoying time and laughter . . .
Family is a very precious gift.
12 comments:
I so enjoyed this and picked up a few hints for Christmases down the road. I like the idea of having a special seat to open a gift. We take turns too but the special seat takes it to another level.
I'm so glad your Christmas was a dream come true. It reminds me of when I was little and the kids all ate first at my Grandma's.
Having family beside you in church...a foretaste of heaven for sure!
I lived the new pajama photo. What a beautiful family!
It sounds like such a wonderful fulfilling evening Anneliese. Love the photos!
What a wonderful Christmas Eve for you and your family! I love the "camp out" on the floor - many warm memories made.
Catching up on your blog posts was a time of joy, blessing and worship for me. A simple THANK YOU!
Looks like a great time was had by all!
I like that idea too...having a designated 'gift opening chair'! It looks like you had the best family Christmas this year. Beautiful pic's.
Hang on to those days. It's still so hard to believe that how the family expands and still continues to come together and share such special moments. Who would of dream't that God's plan for family could play such an important role in your life.
How wonderful to be so many together for Christmas. I can just imagine that moment in church when your realised how many you were.
Like everyone else, I love the idea of a special chair for the one opening a gift.
The "designated gift chair" was a great idea that I am tucking away, as is the adults opening their gifts while "Veggie Tales" played for the little ones. Beautiful pictures of your family!
Praying that the Lord will be your King and Shepherd as 2013 unfolds.
Family is such a precious gift!!! So neat that you were all together on Christmas Eve to enjoy one another. What a blessing!
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