So. . .What Do We Do?

I've been asked by a couple of people what we do on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. So, today's post will be spent describing the next couple of hours/days.

So far, this morning was spent at work. Mark and I tried to begin a new tradition this morning--taking the family out for breakfast on Christmas Eve. If I wouldn't have had an appointment scheduled at 10:30, it would have worked.

You see, Caroline was up at 6:12 a.m., for no explained reason. She was up for an hour. . .with Mark. . .in his recliner. When he came back to bed, I *should* have gotten up, taken a shower, and let him sleep a bit. Instead, I let him warm his cold toes on my toasty feet, and we both went back to sleep.

So.....when 8:04 rolled around.....when we should have been getting ready for our 8:30 departure, we were still snoozing.

We decided on lunch out.

Edison and I went to the church to get candles and candle cups ready for tonight's Candlelight Communion Service at 6 p.m. Scraping candle wax out of plastic cups is harder than one might think. I have three or four cuts on my fingers, and two fingernails that are pulled away, because of wax getting under them. Ouch! But, the candles/cups are ready for tonight.

After my meeting at 10:30 (concerning tonight's midnight service) we went out to lunch--just the four of us. It wasn't spectacular (IHOP) but I got some pecan pancakes, and all is somewhat right with the world. Edison and I each had one more gift to buy, then we came home.

Caroline's down for a nap. Edison's wrapping his gift. (Santa is wrapping mine) I have a cold Diet Coke and a quiet house. There. . .you're totally caught up. Now for the real story. . .

Tonight, at 6 p.m., our church holds its first of two Christmas Eve services. We have always had an early service, but the late service has only been going on for the past 5 ot 6 years. It's a very special service. There will be lots of people at the early service (200+) but only about 25-30 at the later service. Dad preaches the late service. It's my favorite.

So, we'll be at church as a family at 6 p.m. Mark and I will both be playing in the band. . . Caroline will (hopefully) be sitting and behaving with Mom. (note to self: bring marshmallows).

After church, we'll go to my aunt & uncle's house for Christmas Eve dinner. She always (or almost always) makes a delicious beef tenderloin. It's a delicious dinner. . . followed by opening presents with their side of the family. The kids are getting Christmas PJs from us. . .so they'll open them there tonight.

Then, we'll come home....get Caroline to bed...and while Edison and I prepare to go back out for the late service, Mark will begin putting together Caroline's dollhouse. (Note: There is NOTHING on the package that says "assembly required" so we are hopeful that this won't take all night.)

After we're home, Edison will go to bed. His gift - which has been hidden in Mark's office since Black Friday - will come to the house either late tonight (elves) or early in the morning. I'd love to say what it is, but he sometimes read the blog. . .so it's not gonna happen.

Tomorrow morning, we will open gifts here with Mom & Dad. I will be making breakfast for everyone. We're having Paula Deen's "Hash Brown Quiche" and her "ultimate coffee cake" which Edison requested when he saw her breakfast show. I need to go re-read those recipes now, so I know what I'm in for.

After presents, Mom and Dad will wind their way back to their house, to get ready for dinner. We'll hang around here, play with toys, and head to Mom and Dad's house around 2 p.m. We have friends that are coming over to play games, eat snacks, and just enjoy each other.

Then, around 5:30 p.m., we'll have dinner at Mom's. My aunt & uncle and their family will come for dinner, as well. I think Mom's making a pork roast. I'm making the infamous "Swiss Apple Cashew Salad" only this time I'm adding a twist. I'm going to throw in some dried cranberries, too. (Red + Green -- eh?)

It should be a very fun couple of days. I wish I was feeling better from this sinus infection. I'm getting there -- but I'm still not nearly 100% yet. I am thankful for good doctors, and even better medicines.

I'm also thankful for a Savior. It's so easy -- in all the craziness and last-minute stresses, to forget about the importance of this day.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

(Helen -- I just noticed the time -- it's nearly daybreak on Christmas morning in Australia! I pray you're having a very Merry Christmas with Hughie & Katie!!)