Since this was the first Christmas we have had without extended family, we had the chance to try some new things (at least that was the plan). However, things didn't go exactly as planned this year. The girls were so excited for Christmas that they could hardly contain themselves during the day (Hadley was so excited, she peed her pants 3 times! I don't think I have ever been that excited in my entire life, but that is part of what I love about Hadley) and so Rach was very ready for me to come home from work. We had planned a new tradition of fondue dinner, but we had some issues (so we got to eat hamburgers instead! Hooray Wendy's!). Then we had some family time and reviewed the reason for Christmas. The girls wanted to do a nativity play (a new tradition).
Mary (Allie) and Joseph (me) on their way to Bethlehem.
Jesus (Miles) is born in a manger.
An angel (Hadley) announced his birth.
One more look at the beautiful actors in the family play. They all had a fun time, and maybe even learned a thing or two.
The kiddos each got to open one present. Amazingly enough it happened to be pajamas (Wonder how that worked out). They wanted to get all changed and wear their new digs (A Shaw tradition).
Then we got to do the crazy fun stuff. The parade of presents started after everyone was jammied up. Per Meldrum tradition, only the people bringing out presents can open their eyes until the bells stop ringing. It is like magic with a few presents coming out each time.
Hadley started the present parade by getting gifts for her sister. She got to ring the bells and I got to carry the loot.
All the kids got to take turns bringing out gifts. So everyone had a chance to close their eyes. No peeking Miles (Although Meldrum tradition would require that you sneak a glance or two)!
After the presents were placed by the tree with great care, we hopped in the car to see the lights around town. As soon as we got in, Allie started saying she was tired and needed to go to bed (she really wasn't). When the lights were all viewed and the children sufficiently excited, we sent them to bed (we put them in our room so they didn't wake up and go get the presents in the middle of the night).
Allie was definitely not tired, since she kept Hadley up for at least an hour! Eventually they slipped off to sleep, so now Santa can come. We'll see if we have been good or bad tomorrow morning!
Merry Christmas Eve!
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