A Christmas Eve and Its Traditions

Christmas Eve and, although we got off to a late start on our traditional festivities, we are enjoying our family and this season.
For the first time, but likely not the last, we made cups of hot chocolate and went to a nearby park that had a "Festival of Lights" display.

It was a frigid evening so it was a very nippy walk.  We were warmed slightly by the hot chocolate in hand but we were definitely ready for the hot pot of posole awaiting us upon our return.

Our traditional Christmas Eve meal is posole, tortilla, chips and salsa.  Delish!

Then we sat by the fire, made s'mores (another tradition - Santa doesn't get cookies here, he gets s'mores!), and the boys opened two packages each.  Those two packages contain the traditional pajamas and books.

We lingered and enjoyed each others company...

...then the boys grabbed more munchies and went to play games while "Santa" got to work.

Now the stockings and gifts are awaiting the morning and the tree is glowing beautifully.
I love this moment.  I stand alone with the tree lights and candles illuminating the otherwise darkened room, breathing and thinking about my family, who they are and who we are, and my hopes and dreams for them and how all of that is reflected in these gifts that I offer up to them.
It's a beautiful, sweet moment for me.
It is Christmas!

A Little Merry Making

The hot chocolate bar is officially opened...

...the table is stocked with all sorts of goodies...

...a fire and some fun await little visitors.

The family arrived for a holiday open house - 

hot chocolate, 

fun, 

and gifts!

It was a joyous time making merry with the family!

The Makings of a Merry Christmas

Once the power was fixed the festivities could really kick into high gear.
The tree was put up and the family decorations were unpacked and placed on the tree while reminiscing.

The new ornaments were gifted and placed on the tree.

In honor of our new family tradition of watching the newly released Star Wars movie each year, I gifted the boys Star Wars ornaments.

Christian received R2-D2.

Bishop received Darth.

Maceo received Chewie.

I also gave them Star Wars socks the evening before we were to watch the movie so that they could be really decked out for the movie watching festivities.

To add to those festivities, we had a special Star Wars breakfast before heading to the theater.

Hoth Chocolate Bar.

Clone Scones (sort of).

Princess Leia's Cinna-Buns.

Afterwards, we went to Steak and Shake for some vigorous conversations regarding the movie.

After movie day, the Hoth Chocolate Bar was converted to the traditional hot chocolate bar. 

Many, many cookies and treats were baked.

And the house was festooned.

And now our house and our hearts are ready for all that Christmas will bring.