A Schrag Kind of Christmas

Like a lot of people, Christmas is our favorite time of year. The crisp air, glowing lights, holiday shopping, and extra time with family. It just goes by way too fast. Every year I look at David and say "why can't the stupid hot weather go by this fast?"

But alas, it's over and now it's time to reflect upon the year and make resolutions for the new one. But first, I'd like to remember what this Christmas was all about, Jesus Christ and family.

We've made some traditions as a family that I absolutely adore. The first one is that on Christmas Eve we let the kids open one present each and it includes new pajamas to wear that night and a new blanket. I try to remember to wash everything first, but this year I didn't, so I had to wash a quick load before bath time.

New pajamas and blankets. I think we have around 20 blankets now, but there's always fort building right?!

 

We also bake a birthday cake for Jesus and make reindeer dust. Charlie got to pick out the cake this year and it was chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. They all took turns decorating and we sang happy birthday to Jesus. And if you're unfamiliar with reindeer dust, it is a mixture of oatmeal and glitter. You sprinkle it on your lawn so that Santa can see the glitter sparkle from the sky and the oatmeal is to feed the reindeer. I believe there are several different variations out there. We chose the most simple one.

We follow that by making popcorn with M&M's and watching a Christmas movie. It's usually Home Alone or Jingle All The Way. I don't think anyone ate popcorn but me. They just tried to fish all of the candy out of the bowl.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

We didn't have any glitter so cake sprinkles did the trick. Saving some money.

 

It was now bedtime so we followed our normal routine. Bath, teeth brushing, book reading, saying prayers, and then chasing them back into their rooms for about 30 minutes. We always read The Night Before Christmas to the kids and they get all excited dreaming about the morning to come.

During the next hour I was the look out. That really meant I got to sit on the couch and watch TV while David finished wrapping gifts. Earlier in the day I took the kids to Little Giggles so David could wrap gifts but he didn't finish.
About an hour later he was done. We ate leftover pizza and started watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, the best Christmas movie ever! Unfortunately we were so tired that we both fell asleep on the couch before making it halfway through the movie. We woke up, grabbed the stockings, put them by the fireplace, put our elf Giggles away, and went to bed.

7:30 AM and it's Christmas morning! We read Luke Chapter 2 to the kids before we allowed them to open any gifts, because that's the real reason for Christmas right? This year instead of missing it all while trying to take pictures, I sat my phone down and just recorded everything. I'm always trying to get more video. Pictures are great but there's just something about being able to listen to their tiny voices and laughter on camera.

We spent the afternoon with my sister's family and my mom and step dad. We ate traditional Christmas food and opened gifts. Then for the last special treat of the day, Madelyn and I wet to see Annie at the movie theatre.  It was a great day. One to Remember.

The last picture on Christmas Eve night.

You can see the frustration right? "Why do we have to take a picture? We want to open gifts!"

Stockings first. Christopher opened his so fast I couldn't even get a picture.

 I think he was reading his xbox gift card.

Santa always brings the necessities to the baby's stocking.

Lip gloss!

Her first pair of kitten heels, and they're red glitter. She has worn them every day since Christmas.

They're own doll carriers made by a friend.

And the best gift of all. After 3 years we have a trampoline in our back yard!

Above all the gifts, laughter, memories, and food, Jesus is what matters. He should always be the center of your circle. The stronger your relationship with God, the stronger the relationships with your family and friends will be. I love my God, but he still loves me more. He loves me perfectly despite my faults and he loves you despite yours.


Love,
The Schrags