Christmas Day Delights

Christmas day morning we woke to find out that the church service was canceled 

due to icy parking conditions.

Did you know that the next time we have Christmas on a Sunday is 11 years away? 

Meanwhile, it was warm and cozy inside and we were ready for the kids. 

Finally! 

There was excitement with each doorbell.

Tehya and Paeton arrived from visiting their grandparents on the island.

Then the Friesens and then the Sawyers, around two.

I set out appies, which they added to as well. 

It's become one of my favorite moments ...

the excitement, the anticipation, starting with little yummy bites around the island.

The kids found their own island. 

Shaun and Kristal had prepared some games,

and this was a lot of fun!

It's so good to have the kids at the age where they can all participate. 

We played a type of Charades game called, "Where are we going?"

and a family feud game ... boys against girls.

The GOATs (Greatest of all Times) against the GABs (Girls are Better) 

Yes, we made them work for it! 

We had a mini concert by the girls ...

they had disappeared into a bedroom earlier to "practice something" ...

and came up with a 12 days of Christmas song that had us all laughing ...

especially the chicken in Mimi's tree.

Lacey and Jade performed a Jingle Bell jingle on their ukuleles.

So fun! 

The kids each took a turn reading a part of the Christmas Story.

And then they got to open gifts. They still take turns on the gift opening chair ...

something we started when they were little.

For dinner I had prepared Beef Wellington ahead of time

(posted by Ellen in the Celebrations cookbook)

and put it in the oven when it was time to cook. 

It is a lot easier to do than it looks... 

which makes me smile.

The men were happy, the kids were wondering how Mimi did this. 

Along with that we had a medley of roasted potatoes, yams and carrots,

steamed broccoli and cauliflower with a mustard sauce

roasted green beans with lime zest and cranberries

a green salad with mandarin orange segments and caramelized nuts (Monika's salad) 

Everyone, but our three in Indonesia.

I love that we had a good representation from there. 

After dinner the kids went off to watch a movie,

most of them in jammies or sweats by that time,

while the adults exchanged gifts.

Another moment that one just wants to hang onto.

I did not take any more photos ...

sleepy kids were revived with dessert

and everyone lingered late.

It's hard to believe Christmas has come and gone again ...

a shared joy that's there all year,

but expressed more-so on this one day. 

Makes me want for more of it all year long.

🤍🤍🤍