Christmas Eve

Growing up, I was ambivolent about Christmas Eve. Some families wait until Christmas Day to open up gifts and eat as a family, and my family was no exception. One year when my mom was growing up, my mom, aunt and uncles convinced my grandparents to let them open up their gifts on Christmas Eve.  Christmas Morning was a big "let down" for the kids because they didn't have more gifts to open, and needless to say, that was the first and last year Grandma let them do that. My family didn't even open one gift the night before Christmas, so when I was little, Christmas Eve was usually spent pestering Grandma and Mom, watching movies and playing with my cousins.

Paul and his family, however, have always celebrated on Christmas Eve. Ever since we have been together, his mom's side of the family has celebrated, eaten dinner, had drinks and brought presents to exchange the night before Christmas. For me, this is pretty cool because it is double the celebration! We generally spend Christmas Eve with his mom, open presents Christmas Day as a small family, and have lunch with my mom and dad. Paul's dad has also joined us for Christmas Lunch for the past several years in between his trips to deliver presents to Paul's grandma and the rest of the family.

Our Family, Christmas Eve 2011

Katie (23 months) and Nathan (3 weeks)

This year, we started our Christmas Eve off with the Greer Family Open House. We had such a great time celebrating with our friends, and I hope this is a tradition that we can continue! Mr. and Mrs. Greer had a bunch of finger foods, desserts and drinks for us to enjoy while we mingled. Tiffanie and Jeremy were in town with their son, Caleb, who is 13 months old. Her sister, Katrina, was in from Korea. Noemi, Brian and Isabella were able to come, as were several of Katrina and Tiffanie's friends from around town. Tiffanie's parents are wonderful hosts, and we had to pry ourselves away from the party when it was time to leave.

Tiffanie and Nathan

Isabella, Katie, Caleb and me

Tiffanie, Nathan, Noemi and me

Noemi and Nathan

Caleb

Katie Bug

Brian and Isabella

Jeremy and Katie

Our next stop was Paul's sister, Melissa's, house where his mom's side of the family was gathered. We were greeted by his mom, Aunt Esther, and cousin, Cynthia, who were anxious to meet little Nathan.

Aunt Esther, Nathan and Cynthia

Grandma Irma and Nathan

We had some really good brisket, prepared by Jason, and Katie played with Paul's cousins Sophia, Derek Jr. and Zoe in the playroom. Paul's step-dad, Ramon, his Uncle Derek, his cousin, Ryan, and Melissa's mother-in-law, father-in-law and brother-in-law were also there with Melissa, Jason and Charlie.

This year's Christmas Eve was a lot of fun surrounded by so many people that we love. I couldn't have asked for more!